St. Louis Cardinals Select Payton Graham in 7th Round: A Strategic Bet on Versatility and Upside
ST. LOUIS, MO – In the 7th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, with the 211th overall pick, the St. Louis Cardinals made a calculated and potentially high-reward move by selecting Payton Graham, a dynamic two-way talent who continues to fly under the radar.
Scouting Report: Athleticism, Speed, and Untapped Potential
Graham, known for his athletic frame and aggressive playstyle, brings a rare combination of infield versatility, speed on the basepaths, and above-average arm strength. While his college numbers have fluctuated, scouts remain intrigued by his ceiling.
“He’s a moldable athlete with tools that can thrive under the right system,” said one NL Central scout. “Not polished yet, but the upside is there.”
Graham’s ability to slot in at shortstop, second base, or even center field gives the Cardinals flexibility as they continue to develop talent in the mid-level of their farm system.
While the 7th round may not typically make headlines, this selection aligns with St. Louis’ recent draft philosophy: identify athletic, projectable players with strong mental makeup and elite defensive instincts.
Batting average (college career): inconsistent, but with signs of improvement in approach
Speed & fielding: regarded as one of the more instinctive defenders among mid-round prospects
Makeup: praised for work ethic, leadership, and coachability
Cardinals President of Baseball Ops John Mozeliak has repeatedly emphasized the value of “baseball IQ and adaptability” in recent drafts — traits that Graham embodies.
With infield depth fluctuating due to injuries and free agency uncertainty, Payton Graham could develop into a valuable utility player or defensive specialist within 2–3 years. In an era where positional flexibility is prized, his development could quietly become a win for the Cardinals’ player development staff.
Key Prospects He Could Complement:
Masyn Winn (SS)
Thomas Saggese (2B/3B)
Victor Scott II (OF)
Graham won’t be rushed, but under the Cardinals’ patient farm system, he may evolve into a piece that strengthens bench depth or carves out a starting role, particularly if the bat matures.
While not the flashiest name on the draft board, Payton Graham is a high-upside, low-risk pick in a round where instincts often matter more than stats. For a team like St. Louis, which prides itself on development and culture, this could prove to be a quietly pivotal selection.
Keep an eye on him in Spring 2025.