FARMVILLE, Va. — Longwood senior right-handed pitcher JR Fordham has been signed as an undrafted free agent by the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, following the conclusion of the draft.

Fordham went 3-2 with a 2.23 ERA in a Big-South-best 31 appearances as the Lancers' primary closer in 2026. He posted nine saves in 44 1/3 innings, fanning 66 against just 21 walks on the way to being named to the all-Big South first team and earning a place on the Big South all-tournament team.

The 5-foot-10, 195-pound native of Chester, Ga., was named Big South Relief Pitcher of the Week on April 27. His save total ranked 26th nationally and third in Longwood history while his ERA ranks seventh in school history.

Fordham did not allow an earned run through his first 14 appearances and didn't allow a run of any kind through his first nine. Fordham made 15 multi-inning appearances with seven lasting at least two frames. He lasted a season-best 4 2/3 innings against Charleston Southern in the Big South tournament while striking out a career-high seven with just one unearned run on five hits and five walks.

Fordham came back two days later and picked up the save against USC Upstate, getting the final out with a three-pitch strikeout. He also earned saves against Youngstown State (Feb. 28 and March 1), at Gardner-Webb (March 13), William & Mary (March 17), at The Citadel (April 4), UNC Asheville (April 10), April 19 (Presbyterian) and at High Point (May 1).