2016 MLB Draft: Profiling 15 Potential Cardinals First-Rounders

2016 MLB Draft: Profiling 15 Prospects Who Could be First-Round Candidates for the St. Louis Cardinals

Jun 20, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Virginia Cavaliers catcher Matt Thaiss (21) looks at his first inning home run in the first inning against the Florida Gators in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

14 of 16

Chris Okey, C, Clemson

While the Cardinals have been connected to an offense-first catcher, Matt Thaiss, in the first round, it would be a little bit surprising to see them get away from their philosophy of prioritizing defense behind the plate. For that reason, Clemson’s Chris Okey might be a more logical selection if the Cards want to take a catcher at the end of the first. The 21-year-old is polished behind the plate, and it seems that he’s a sure bet to stay there as a pro. Okey also showed a strong ability to hold his own at the plate this year, hitting .339/.465/.611 with 15 homers and 74 RBI in 239 at-bats, so it’s not as if he’s destined to be a Carson Kelly-type prospect with a strong glove and lacking bat. It seems as if he has fringe chances of going in the first round, but he might be a candidate for the Cardinals at pick 33 or 34.

Next: Joshua Lowe, 3B

Home/St. Louis Cardinals