Perez drops to Cards at No. 23 after failed PED test
The St. Louis Cardinals selected shortstop Delvin Perez, the 17-year-old Puerto Rican who tested positive for an undisclosed performance-enhancing drug earlier this week, with the 23rd overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft on Thursday.
Teams have known about Perez's failed test since last week and, as a result, he has seen his draft stock fall dramatically. He was expected to be a top-10 pick in Thursday's draft, if not higher, before word of his test result leaked.
Draft-eligible prospects who test positive may still be drafted without any repercussions. Teams can request individual test results from the league offices.
Perez, a slick-fielding infielder, was named MVP of the Victor Pellot Excellence Tournament after hitting .556 as part of the tournament's championship team. He's seen as a player with immense potential who still has some work to do at the plate, but brings stellar defense to the shortstop position, and has drawn some comparisons to Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa.
From Baseball America:
There are few questions about Perez's ability to stay at shortstop; he shows first-step quickness, range to both sides, a plus or better arm, athleticism and smooth infield actions. He has excellent instincts and can make highlight reel plays look easy, though his quick feet and powerful arm can be difficult for him to control at times.
The Cardinals will have $2,222,500 to spend on the 23rd pick, one of three first-round selections held by St. Louis.