Cardinals Sign Fifth-Round Pick Cal Randall

The Cardinal Chronicle
Cardinals Sign Fifth-Round Pick Cal Randall
St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur

The St. Louis Cardinals have officially signed another power arm from their 2026 draft class.

Right-handed pitcher Cal Randall, the organization’s fifth-round selection out of UCLA, has agreed to a signing bonus of $501,300.

Randall arrives in the Cardinals system with one pitch already capable of getting everyone’s attention.

Baseball America described his fastball as a “unicorn,” a fitting label for a pitch that gives Randall the kind of raw weapon teams search for throughout the draft.

The Cardinals selected Randall with the belief that his power arsenal could translate well to professional baseball, particularly in a relief role. He brings the ability to overpower hitters and gives the organization another high-upside arm to develop within its pitching program.

There had been some outside discussion that Randall could be one of the more intriguing selections in the Cardinals’ draft class, with some evaluators reportedly placing considerable value on his fastball and potential as a late-inning reliever.

That does not mean his path to the Major Leagues will be immediate or automatic.

Like most young power pitchers, Randall will need to show that he can consistently command his fastball, develop confidence in his secondary offerings and handle the workload that comes with professional baseball.

Still, elite velocity and unusual fastball characteristics provide an excellent starting point.

Pitching development has become one of the most important areas of emphasis for the Cardinals under Chaim Bloom’s leadership, and Randall gives the organization another arm with a carrying tool that cannot be taught.

The signing continues a productive stretch for St. Louis as it works to bring its 2026 draft class under contract.

With shortstop Rocco Maniscalco also officially signed, the Cardinals have now secured two of the more closely watched players from their class.

Maniscalco brought the financial commitment of a first-round talent.

Randall brings the “unicorn” fastball.

Now the Cardinals will begin the process of turning that unique pitch into a dependable professional weapon.

The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports & MiLB Today
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Photo Credit: Cal Randall, St. Louis Cardinals | MLB