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Cardinals' first-round pick Trevor Condon already drawing Pete Crow-Armstrong comparisons originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The St. Louis Cardinals may have landed one of the most exciting athletes in the 2026 MLB Draft. With the No. 13 overall pick, the Cardinals selected Georgia high school outfielder Trevor Condon, a dynamic center fielder whose blend of elite speed, contact ability and defensive instincts has already earned comparisons to one of baseball's brightest young stars: Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
It's a comparison Cardinals fans may not enjoy because of the uniform Crow-Armstrong wears, but it's one that highlights just how intriguing Condon's upside could be.
Trevor Condon's game resembles Pete Crow-Armstrong
According to MLB Pipeline, Condon's profile is built around double-plus speed, outstanding bat-to-ball skills and the ability to impact games on both sides of the ball.
Those traits have naturally drawn comparisons to Crow-Armstrong, whose elite defense in center field and disruptive speed have made him one of the National League's most exciting young players. Like Crow-Armstrong, Condon covers tremendous ground in center field, creates pressure on the bases and consistently puts the ball in play.
His offensive production during his senior season backed up those tools. The Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year hit .504 with nine home runs, 17 doubles, 42 RBIs and 15 stolen bases while leading Etowah High School to another outstanding season.
For a Cardinals organization looking to add more athleticism throughout its farm system, Condon checked nearly every box.
Cardinals believe they found the perfect fit
The Cardinals were thrilled Condon remained available at No. 13. Director of scouting Randy Flores revealed the organization became so comfortable with Condon during the pre-draft process that they barely conducted a formal interview.
"We just called him in, and we didn't even interview him," Flores said. "We just wanted 30 minutes to hang with him because we had already felt like we were at a good spot with getting to know who he was."
Condon felt the same way.
"Coming into it, I felt like I had a great relationship with the Cardinals," he said after being selected.
"I'm very happy to be a Cardinal. I have a great relationship with most of the staff down there. I'm excited to get to meet everybody behind the scenes."
His confidence was equally evident when asked about the Cardinals' decision.
"They made the right decision," Condon said. "I'm so excited... Let me show you guys that when I get there."
Jordan Walker connection adds another layer
There's another interesting connection Cardinals fans will recognize. The last time St. Louis used a first-round pick on a Georgia high school outfielder, it selected Jordan Walker in the 2020 MLB Draft. Walker developed into an All-Star and is now one of the centerpieces of the Cardinals' lineup.
Like Walker, Condon earned Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year honors before hearing his name called by St. Louis on draft night. The similarities end there from a playing-style standpoint, however. Walker has built his career around power, while Condon's game is centered on speed, defense and all-around athleticism.
MORE: Cardinals rookie Jimmy Crooks makes strong case to stay in St. Louis after latest opportunity
Condon already has his sights set on the majors
Although he was committed to Tennessee, Condon made it clear he plans to begin his professional career immediately.
"I'm going to play. Definitely going to play professional ball," Condon said.
He also described the type of player he hopes to become.
"I see my game as just a speedster who's dangerous in the box. A center fielder who takes control and command."
The Cardinals believe those tools can develop even further inside their player development system. If Condon reaches his ceiling, St. Louis could have a true impact center fielder capable of affecting every phase of the game. And if the Pete Crow-Armstrong comparisons prove accurate, Cardinals fans may not mind seeing a player with that skill set wearing birds on the bat instead of a Cubs uniform.
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