ST. LOUIS — With their highest first-round draft pick in nearly two decades, the St. Louis Cardinals snagged left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle with the fifth overall selection in MLB’s amateur draft Sunday. In doing so, they acquired one of the most tantalizing arms available — and someone who could impact the major-league club much sooner than later.

In desperate need of more swing-and-miss stuff among their starting pitching staff, the Cardinals jumped at the opportunity to select college baseball’s top strikeout artist in 2025. Hard-throwing left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle,