Tiny frame, giant leverage arm for Longwood
In the 2026 season, JR Fordham was one of the Big South’s most reliable late-inning weapons for Longwood, posting a 2.23 ERA with 66 strikeouts, 21 walks and 9 saves in 44.1 innings before signing with the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent.[1][6][7] What makes him matter isn’t just the saves — it’s the whiff-heavy fastball that can sit 92–93 mph and touch 96, plus a sharp slider that both miss bats and play up in a crossfire, sidearm look.[7] He fits a team that wants a fearless, high-leverage reliever with real swing-and-miss stuff and gritty closer DNA.[1][6][7]
