As the 2025 MLB Draft draws near, the St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly prepared to make a high-upside, high-risk move by targeting JoJo Parker—a standout prep infielder from Purvis, Mississippi—with their first-round pick. In the latest MLB mock draft by insider Jim Callis, the Cardinals are projected to take Parker in the mid-first round, betting on his elite bat despite lingering questions about his defensive future.
Parker has captured scouts’ attention nationwide thanks to his explosive offensive profile. Considered one of the best pure hitters among high school prospects this year, he’s praised for his ability to barrel the ball consistently, work counts, and hit for both average and power. His swing is compact yet powerful, and his bat speed ranks among the best in his draft class.
What makes Parker even more intriguing to the Cardinals is his projection as a potential middle-of-the-order threat—something the organization has lacked in recent seasons beyond their top-tier veterans.
However, while his offensive ceiling is high, there’s uncertainty surrounding where Parker fits in the field at the professional level.
Though he currently plays shortstop, many scouts believe Parker’s average range and only decent footwork may push him off the position. He has a strong enough arm to handle third base, but some evaluators wonder whether he’ll develop the power profile needed to thrive at a corner infield spot. There’s also chatter that a move to the outfield isn’t out of the question.
Despite those concerns, the Cardinals—an organization known for their ability to mold raw talent into productive big leaguers—may see Parker as a project worth taking on. With a system that’s historically done well with player development, St. Louis could be the ideal landing spot for a player whose offensive gifts are undeniable.
Parker is currently committed to Mississippi State, and signing him away from college may require an above-slot bonus. But for a franchise seeking to rejuvenate its pipeline with star-caliber upside, the gamble might be well worth it.
If the Cardinals can lock him down, JoJo Parker could become one of the most exciting offensive prospects in their system—provided they can help him find a permanent home on defense.
