Trevor Condon’s Reaction as Cardinals Pick Tennessee Signee

jahid 📅 Published on July 11, 2026 📁 in News

Trevor Condon Skips College, Signs with St. Louis Cardinals in MLB Draft

High‑School Outfielder Makes History with Cardinals Pick

Tennessee baseball signee Trevor Condon is heading straight to the majors after being selected in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft. The decision to bypass college marks a rare move for a top prospect from the Volunteers’ pipeline. Condon had been labeled a first‑round name for months, and the St. Louis Cardinals turned that buzz into a concrete contract.

Draft Details and Financial Package

The Cardinals made the splash on July 11, choosing Condon with the 13th overall pick. The slot value on his deal reaches $5,661,300, reflecting St. Louis’s confidence in his upside. This pick adds a premium outfield arm to a roster already loaded with talent.

Physical Profile and Background

Condon stands 5‑foot‑11, weighs 175 pounds, and hits left‑handed. The native of Woodstock, Georgia, brings speed and a strong arm to the Cardinals’ outfield. Scouts praised his baseball IQ, route running, and finishing skills, making him a premium asset for a contender.

How He Stacks Up Against Fellow Tennessee Signees

MLB Pipeline listed Condon as the No. 13 overall prospect entering the draft, the highest ranking among Tennessee signees. He topped fellow signee Jared Grindlinger, who fell to No. 12 and was taken by the Los Angeles Angels. Condon’s ranking underscores how Tennessee’s 2026 class reshaped the draft landscape.

Reaction from Condon and Implications for College Baseball

In his post‑draft interview, Condon expressed pure gratitude. “I’m blessed,” he said. “I can’t be more excited to be a Cardinal and hopefully lead this program one day.” His enthusiasm mirrors the rarity of high‑school players making such an immediate leap. With both Condon and Grindlinger likely signing, the Vols will lose two key contributors before their college careers begin.

Condon, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound left-handed-hitting outfielder, was projected to be selected in the first half of the first round. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the No. 13 overall prospect entering the draft, the highest ranking among Tennessee signees — even ahead of Jared Grindlinger, who was picked one spot before Condon at No. 12 by the Los Angeles Angels.

“Honestly, in my truthful opinion, I’ve always thought I was that person,” Condon said. “I’ve always carried myself with that sort of confidence. Not trying to make it come off that way. People can take it how they want to. I just do me. I know who I am, I know how I play the game and I know what I bring to a team.”

First-round MLB draft picks who make it from high schools to college campuses are exceedingly rare. Unless a major surprise is in store — no deals have been officially announced — Condon and Grindlinger will likely both sign with pro teams and not play for the Vols.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know everybody,” Condon added. “Thank you to the Cardinals for allowing me to hopefully one day lead y’all’s program.”