ATLANTA — For the first time in four years, a Cardinal heard his name called during the first round of the MLB Draft as the Arizona Diamondbacks took right-handed pitcher Patrick Forbes 29th overall.
What You Need To Know
The Arizona Diamondbacks took Louisville right-hander Patrick Forbes 29th overall in the MLB Draft
He becomes Louisville’s 10th first-round selection and the first since the Pittsburgh Pirates took Henry Davis No. 1 overall in 2021
The Cardinals have had 106 MLB Draft selections since Dan McDonnell took over the program in 2007
Forbes posted a 4-2 record, 4.42 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 71.7 innings in 2025
Forbes becomes Louisville’s 10th first-round selection and the first since the Pittsburgh Pirates took Henry Davis No. 1 overall in 2021. The Cardinals have had 106 MLB Draft selections since Dan McDonnell took over the program in 2007.
The Bowling Green native donned the red and white for three seasons. He finished the 2025 season with a 4-2 record, 4.42 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 71.7 innings. His 117 strikeouts tied for the seventh-most in a single season in program history. Forbes also led the Atlantic Coast Conference and finished third nationally with 14.76 strikeouts per nine innings.
Forbes began his UofL career as a two-way player, hitting .258 in 93 at-bats in his first season while finishing with three home runs and 19 RBIs. He moved into a full-time pitching role as a sophomore, posting a 3.72 ERA in 29 innings in 2024. His performance earned him a spot on the USA Collegiate National Team the following summer.
Forbes recorded at least nine strikeouts in eight of his 15 appearances this spring, including a career-best 13 against Cal on March 28. He later tied the record May 30 against East Tennessee State in the opening round of the NCAA Nashville Regional.
Rounds 1-3 of the MLB Draft took place Sunday evening, with the Washington Nationals taking shortstop Eli Willits No. 1 overall. Rounds 4-20 take place Monday.