Latest MLB Mock Draft has Cardinals Selecting Highly Touted LHP

Arnold is a 21-year-old left-handed pitcher out of Florida State. He is MLB Pipeline's No. 4 overall draft prospect. 

This past season was Arnold's junior year at Florida State. He posted a 2.98 ERA with 119 strikeouts in 84 2/3 innings pitched for the Seminoles. He received First Team All-American honors as a sophomore and Second Team All-American honors as a junior. 

Arnold's pitch arsenal includes a fastball that can touch the upper 90s, a devastating slider, as well as a changeup. His scouting report on MLB Pipeline compares him to Braves veteran left-handed pitcher Chris Sale.

"Arnold has shown the ability to fill up the strike zone and limit damage while maintaining his stuff deep into outings. With the funky arm slot, his stuff has drawn some comparisons to Chris Sale’s, a reason why his name will be mentioned in conversations at the top of the first round."

The Cardinals' No. 5 overall pick is the earliest the franchise has had since they selected J.D. Drew fifth overall in 1998. 

With Masyn Winn seemingly being the team's shortstop for the foreseeable future, and considering St. Louis went with shortstop JJ Wetherholt as their first-round selection last year, drafting a big-time starting pitcher like Arnold in this spot seems to make a lot of sense.

This year's MLB Draft will begin on July 13 in Atlanta.