The Cardinals have locked in their first-rounder, and the deal comes with a little extra value baked in.
St. Louis and Trevor Condon have agreed to terms on a contract worth a $5.16 million bonus, according to Derrick Goold of the St.
Louis Post-Dispatch. That figure lands below the slot value for the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, which Jim Callis of MLB.com reported on July 11 was $5,661,300.
Condon, a center fielder from Woodstock, Georgia, starred for Etowah High’s state championship team and had been committed to Tennessee. But as Goold noted, he made it clear right after the draft that he planned to turn pro, and the Cardinals ultimately finalized the agreement with a source confirming the bonus amount to the Post-Dispatch.
St. Louis announced the signing on X on Thursday with a photo of Condon putting pen to paper.
Pen to paper 🖊️Trevor Condon is a St. Louis Cardinal! pic.twitter.com/8yLv5qxrUX
For the Cardinals, the appeal goes beyond simply getting the deal done. Signing Condon under slot gives the organization more flexibility with the rest of its draft class, including the possibility of adding other picks such as high school shortstop Rocco Maniscalco.
Now the focus shifts to what Condon brings on the field. The 18-year-old is described in his official MLB.com scouting report as a left-handed hitter with a smooth swing and a 60-grade hit tool. For comparison, JJ Wetherholt was given a 65-grade hit tool.
What really separates Condon is the speed. MLB.com grades it at 70, and his defense comes in at 60, which points to a player who can cover ground in center and impact the game on the bases. The power isn’t there yet, but the profile is clear: get on base, run, defend, and keep pressure on opposing pitchers and outfielders.
At 18, Condon is still a long way from St. Louis, barring a rapid climb like Konnor Griffin of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
If his development keeps moving in the right direction, the Cardinals could be looking at a long-term center field option. For now, the contract is signed, and the work begins.
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