A 9th round pick in 2017 by the Cincinnati Reds out of Virginia Tech. Naughton was a starter in the Reds system but was traded to the Angels in 2020. He didn’t play in 2020 due to the covid pandemic but made his MLB debut for them in 2021. He pitched 22.2 innings with a 6.35 ERA and was then designated for assignment. The Cardinals claimed him and placed him in AAA to begin the 2022 season but he had 32 major league innings with a 4.78 ERA by seasons end. He made the opening day roster in 2023 and finally felt like a major league mainstay. He pitched 5 scoreless innings in 2023, but missed the rest of the season following a left forearm strain and surgery to repair the flexor tendon in his left elbow. He returned in 2024, pitching 9.2 rehab innings in A/Rookie ball and 10.2 innings in AAA Memphis. Following that small stint in 2024, Naughton underwent UCL reconstruction surgery (Tommy John), having also re–tore the flexor tendon he tore in 2023. He missed the entire 2025 season rehabbing those injuries.
In 2026, much of the hope of Cardinals fans was gone, but Naughton came back and looked to make another push to the majors. He was electric in spring training, pitching 7 innings and allowing just 1 run with a WHIP under .500 and 10.3 K/9. Had he been on the 40 man roster, I believe he would’ve stood a great chance of making the opening day roster once again. As it stood, he was one of the first names expected to be called up from Memphis. Just 2.1 innings into the AAA season, Packy Naughton felt a pop in his arm, threw a wild pitch allowing his only run of the season, and walked off the field for the last time holding his elbow.
He was a beloved Cardinals player with a name that reminded fans of the golden days of baseball, and just when it felt like his career was getting going it all came crashing down. He never got his first MLB win, but he did get a Save. There are reports he’s going to remain with the organization in some sort of coaching role, and I hope he does if that’s what he wants to do, because his love for baseball was always evident. He officially announced his retirement July 20, 2026 with this message on Instagram.
“For the past 26 years, baseball has meant everything to me.
From growing up playing at the complex, to having my brother Jake behind the plate for me in high school, to pitching at Virginia Tech, I thought I had already accomplished more than I ever dreamed. Then I was given the opportunity to play professional baseball and eventually make my Major League debut with the Los Angeles Angels. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
Later, getting the opportunity to wear the Birds on the Bat with the St. Louis Cardinals changed everything. Learning what it truly takes to compete at the highest level, navigating the ups and downs of the big leagues, and eventually running onto the field as part of an Opening Day roster are memories I’ll carry with me forever.
People always tell you to play until they take the jersey off your back. I truly believed that’s how my career would end. Unfortunately, it came sooner than I had hoped.
After multiple elbow surgeries, countless hours of rehab, and giving everything I had to get back on the mound, my body has made the decision for me. My elbow just can’t do it anymore. I gave this game everything I had, and then some. While I’m proud of that, it doesn’t make writing these words any easier.
None of this would have been possible without the people who stood beside me every step of the way.
To my wife, Taylor, thank you for loving me through the highest highs and the lowest lows. Baseball isn’t always glamorous, and you’ve carried me through some of the hardest moments of my career with more strength than I’ll ever be able to repay.
To my brothers, Jake and Liam, thank you for being my biggest supporters from day one. Jake, getting to have you catch me growing up are memories I’ll always cherish.
To my parents, thank you for every early morning, every late-night drive, every sacrifice you made, and for believing in me long before anyone else did. I truly believe I was blessed with the best parents anyone could ask for.”
