Zack Thompson #57

Graduated from Wapahani High School in Selma, Ind., the same high school as former Cardinals outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker... Posted a 23-2 record with an 0.98 ERA (185.2 IP), going undefeated during his sophomore (13-0) and junior (6-0) seasons... Named Indiana All-State three consecutive years from his sophomore to senior seasons... Originally selected by Tampa Bay in the 11th round of the 2019 June, First-Year Player Draft, but did not sign to attend the University of Kentucky... Pitched three seasons for the Wildcats (2017-19), going 6-5 with a 3.20 ERA (196.2 IP) and 268 strikeouts... Was 6-1 with a 2.40 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 90.0 innings his junior season. Ranked 5th in NCAA Division 1 in strikeouts and 11th in strikeouts/9 IP (11.00)... His 130 strikeouts during his junior season were the most by a left-handed pitcher in school history, breaking James Paxton’s mark... Pitched for Brewster in the 2018 Cape Cod League... Pitched for the 2018 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team that went 12-3 overall in three series against Chinese Taipei, Japan and Cuba... 2019 Dick Howser Trophy Semi-Finalist, Golden Spikes Award Semi-Finalist, 2nd Team All-Southeastern Conference, 3rd Team All-American by Baseball America and Rawlings/ABCA... In 2019, became the 4th-highest draft pick and the 6th first round pick in Kentucky baseball history, joining Evan White (2017), Alex Meyer (2011), Joe Blanton (2002), Chad Green (1996) and Everett Murray (1975)... Resides in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

2021

Entered the season as the No. 5 prospect in the Cardinals organization by both Baseball America and MLB.com... Attended Major League Spring Training as a non-roster player... Ranked among Cardinals minor leaguers in losses (10, T-1st), starts (19, T-6th), innings pitched (93.0, 9th), earned runs (73, 2nd), and strikeouts (82, 5th)... Pitched 6.0 innings or longer in three starts (all quality)... Appeared in 22 games while making 19 starts. Was 2-10 with a 6.91 ERA as a starter, and recorded a 8.18 ERA as a reliever... Earned two saves (both being 3.0+ innings), and followed Kwang Hyun Kim's rehab start in his third outing... Opposing Triple-A hitters batted .302/.400/.516 (114-378)... His best months came in July and August, where he went 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA (44.2 IP) and 31 strikeouts in nine games (eight starts)... Following the season, pitched for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League. Went 3-0 with a 1.56 ERA (17.1IP), one save, and 22 strikeouts in nine games... Ranked among AFL leaders in wins (T-2nd), ERA (3rd), strikeouts (7th), walks (15, T-4th)... Named to pitch in the annual Fall Stars Game, allowing one run with one strikeout in one inning.

2020

Participated in early workouts and seminars as part of the Cardinals two-week Instructional Camp in January 2020...Was invited to Major League Spring Training and made three perfect one-inning relief appearances for St. Louis, striking out three batters total and throwing 80% strikes (20/25)...Entered the 2020 season ranked as the No. 7 prospect in the Cardinals organization by Baseball America...Was rated as having the “Best Curveball” in the organization in 2020 by Baseball America’s “Best Tools” survey before Matthew Liberatore was acquired in January 2020...Did not play during the season, but reported to the Alternate Training Site in Springfield, Mo. Was not brought up to St. Louis or traveled on the Taxi Squad.