Fans of the St. Louis Cardinals have had enough of the poor play in 2025. They stayed home to watch the team finish fourth in the division as the average attendance per game fell to one of the lowest marks since 1995. A further sign of the times is that their team payroll is the lowest mark in over a decade as they retool the roster and deal away valuable parts to bolster the future.
Yet, the Cardinals have a hero in Chaim Bloom, standing atop the Gateway Arch with his POBO cape flapping in the Midwest breeze. Bloom’s initial offseason heralds a new era of Redbirds ball as they try to assert relevance in a division dominated by the Brewers and Cubs. He must decide how to deal with veterans like Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan. He must complete the reclamation of Jordan Walker. And he must decide which one of these booming legions of catching prospects is the one to ascend to Yadier Molina’s throne. The team drafts and develops well, so we should see some of the names below leap into the Major Leagues. And if it all works out, the faithful Cardinals will return to the third Busch at historical levels. The front office hopes that happens before Busch Stadium III is demolished for the predestined Busch IV.
Although attendance is down, the St. Louis Cardinals engender tremendous fan engagement on the team every day. There are at least three solid fan sites where you can find discussions about the organization 24/7/365: vivaelbirdos.com, thecardinalnation.com, and redbirdrants.com.
Head over to the Pitcher List dynasty page to check out the rest of the farm system rankings!
Top Cardinals Prospects
The Top Tier
1. JJ Wetherholt SS/2B/3B
The Cardinals appear to be clearing the runway for their top prospect to log a meaningful number of Major League plate appearances in 2026. JJ Wetherholt delivered a strong 2025 campaign, nearly finishing with a 20–20 season while piling up 28 doubles and a .900+ OPS across Double-A and Triple-A. The 2024 first-round pick brings an advanced offensive foundation, particularly against fastballs, where he posted a 60% hard-hit rate and a .500+ wOBA.
Overall, Wetherholt produced a 48% hard-hit rate with a 12-degree launch angle, supporting both average and power. His plate discipline stands out: walk and strikeout rates are nearly identical, and he adds value with double-digit steals. Defensively, he is reliable at shortstop and second base, while third base remains a work in progress after seeing back-to-back starts there for the first time upon his Triple-A promotion. Importantly, Wetherholt has shown power against both lefties and righties, reinforcing his platoon-proof profile and positional flexibility.
There are still refinements ahead. He must improve results against breaking balls—particularly curveballs and sliders—and his contact rates should climb for a player with batting-average upside. An 83% zone-contact rate in Triple-A looks like his current floor. Power concerns faded quickly after he launched 11 home runs with a 1.000 OPS across July and August. With the Cardinals’ roster in flux and trade rumors surrounding Brendan Donovan, Wetherholt looks poised to anchor the next era of St. Louis baseball.
2. Joshua Baez OF
The biggest riser in the Cardinals’ system is Joshua Baez, who finally translated his above-average raw power into game production. After torching High-A pitching to the tune of four home runs, 20 steals, and a .317/.404/.483 slash line across 168 plate appearances, Baez earned a promotion to Double-A, where he kept hitting. In his first month at Springfield, he added six home runs, six steals, and a .900+ OPS.
Curiously, Baez didn’t access power through conventional means. Compared to 2024, he hit fewer balls in the air and pulled the ball less, instead spraying contact to all fields. The key improvement was contact quality and pitch selection. His contact rate jumped from 65% to 76%, whiff rate fell below 11% in Double-A, and his HR/FB rate doubled to 18%. He was clearly getting pitches he could drive.
Doing a Joshua Baez thread on Tuesday and I’m very excited to share some of the adjustments he made this season.
I love the new posture he presents in the box, starting his hands higher, and the flatter bat head prior to load (can help with over tilting barrel past hands). pic.twitter.com/420bd1TnyB
— Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) December 15, 2025
Even more impressive was the plate discipline growth. Baez swung slightly less, cut his strikeout rate by 15 percentage points to 20%, and showed better overall command of the zone. If these adjustments hold, Baez profiles as a legitimate 20-homer, 40-steal threat—an impact fantasy profile backed by real skill growth.
3. Liam Doyle SP
The 2025 NCAA strikeout leader is quickly advancing through the Cardinals’ system and looks capable of a rapid ascent similar to Trey Yesavage-type debuts. Over two professional starts across two levels, Liam Doyle struck out six of the 15 batters he faced while generating a 13% swinging-strike rate. Having already logged a Double-A start, his 2026 assignment likely begins no lower than Springfield.
Doyle’s high three-quarters arm slot, long arm action, and explosive tempo generate significant energy toward the plate. While he touched 100 mph in college, his professional outings have settled into the 96+ range with over 17 inches of induced vertical break. His arsenal includes a firm fastball, a 60-grade slider, a solid curveball, and a usable changeup to neutralize right-handed hitters.
Prospect Watch
Liam Doyle
A DEBUT Palm Beach STL
6’2” LHP
9.6vDaytona
1.2 IP 1H 1ER 1HR 2BB 3K
4whiffs/42pitches
Aggressive 3/4 delivery w solid extension.
FF 96 up to 20”IVB, 10” horz. 3 whiffs
SL 85
CU 81 45+”drop
CH 87
Only 1 hard-hit allowed on poorly located SL pic.twitter.com/Qbgqa9NI6A
— YGM Fantasy Baseball (@YGMfantasy) September 7, 2025
If Doyle can regain peak form from college—where he posted a 42% strikeout rate, 8% walk rate, and a .184 batting average against—he represents a high-upside arm who could move very quickly through the system.
4. Rainiel Rodriguez C
The Cardinals’ catching pipeline continues to impress, and Rainiel Rodriguez has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting young hitters in the system. The 18-year-old Dominican backstop followed his 2024 DSL breakout by launching 20 home runs in just 368 plate appearances in 2025, firmly establishing his above-average raw power.
While his slugging percentage dipped slightly from 2024, the batted-ball profile remained intact. Rodriguez pulled over 50% of his contact, lifted 47% of his balls in play, and posted an elite 29% pulled air rate alongside a 104 mph EV90. Simply put, the power is loud and unmistakable. Even more encouraging, Rodriguez isn’t overly swing-and-miss prone when he fails to square the ball. His plate discipline has been excellent, with walk rates matching or exceeding strikeout rates at every stop.
Rainiel Rodriguez hits an absolute laser for his ninth Single-A home run:
EV: 106.1 MPH
LA: 27°
Distance: 340 ft. pic.twitter.com/8xD35gk6Wq
— Kareem Haq (@KareemSSN) August 19, 2025
Rodriguez’s relationship with the slider is volatile but revealing. He hit four home runs off sliders in Single-A, while also striking out 26% of the time against the pitch with a 32% whiff rate. His splits show no platoon concerns: four home runs and a 1.167 OPS against lefties, and 15 home runs with an .886 OPS against right-handers. With elite power indicators, mature plate discipline, and strong pitch recognition, Rodriguez is rapidly ascending into true cornerstone territory.
5. Quinn Mathews SP
Quinn Mathews entered 2025 on the cusp of becoming a workhorse ace for St. Louis, only to see his season unravel almost immediately. He threw just 10.1 innings across three games before shoulder soreness intervened. Even before the injury, command issues surfaced, as he walked 15 batters with a sub-50% strike rate—an alarming departure from his 2024 form, where he ran a 26% K–BB%, 16% swinging-strike rate, and 64% strike rate.
After struggling through much of the season, Mathews appeared to turn a corner beginning August 1. Over 21.2 innings, he struck out 30 while walking just six, posting a 63% strike rate, 19% swinging-strike rate, 48% ground-ball rate, and a 2.91 ERA. His fastball averaged 92 mph with 15 inches of IVB, while both the slider and curveball generated whiff rates north of 40%.
Stash List Watch
Quinn Mathews
AAA Memphis STL
8.19 v Gwinnett
5 IP 3H 2ER 1HR 1BB 5K
10whiffs/81pitches
FF 91.9 15”IVB
CH star pitch ~14” break, 5 whiffs
SL & CU no hits, 4 whiffs
60%strikes
Repeat the Mantra: I can throw strikes. I will throw strikes. pic.twitter.com/uRzxQYDZPt
— YGM Fantasy Baseball (@YGMfantasy) August 21, 2025
The changeup remains his defining weapon. Over his final four outings, it averaged 13 inches of armside break, produced a 60% whiff rate, and held hitters to a .171 wOBA. That pitch alone accounted for 53% of his strikeouts. Unfortunately, the momentum collapsed late, as Mathews issued 17 walks over his final 19.1 innings. The stuff remains intriguing—but the volatility makes him difficult to trust.
Prospects that Dynasty Manager Should Know
6. Deniel Ortiz 3B/1B
Deniel Ortiz earned a promotion to High-A after four strong months at Single-A Palm Beach. His batted-ball metrics tell the story: an 18-degree launch angle, 49% hard-hit rate, 105 mph EV90, and a 25% pulled air-ball rate. That combination—ideal launch angles, premium exit velocity, and pull-side lift—creates a clear blueprint for continued power production.
Deniel Ortiz is a fun prospect:
6’1″, 230-lbs 1B/3B
100 G
.300 BA
.416 OBP
.878 OPS
19 doubles
13 HR
39 (!!!) SB
14.9% BB%
26% K%
12.7% SwStr%
Strong arm, plus power, and an extremely smart runner. Swing-and-miss is something to monitor. Plus approach as well. pic.twitter.com/HJfThW0y6h
— LouisAnalysis (@LouisAnalysis) November 25, 2025
The large-bodied corner infielder lacks speed on paper, yet has managed to contribute stolen bases, though his success rate dipped after the promotion. Ortiz clubbed 34 home runs across two seasons of community college ball, so the power is real. His next growth area is pitch recognition, particularly against sliders and changeups. Encouragingly, his strikeout rate dropped at the higher level, suggesting further gains could be on the horizon. The Cardinals badly need corner infield offense, and Ortiz has the approach to provide it.
7. Ixan Henderson SP
Ixan Henderson quietly turned in a strong season at Double-A, logging 130 innings with a four-pitch mix. The 6’2″ lefty throws from a crossbody three-quarters slot with a casual delivery and long extension, helping him limit damage despite only average raw stuff.
Prospect Watch
Ixan Henderson
AA Springfield STL
6’2” LHP
9.23vMidland
6 IP 3H 3ER 1HR 3BB 4K
9whiffs/95pitches
Crossbody 3/4 slinger w zero extension
FF 94
SL
25: 25K% 9.6BB% 2.59ERA 132 IP 63%strike 11SwK% pic.twitter.com/8nuBWCkYQH
— YGM Fantasy Baseball (@YGMfantasy) September 25, 2025
Henderson posted a 25% strikeout rate with a manageable 9% walk rate while holding opponents to low averages. His mid-90s fastball plays well up in the zone, while the curveball and slider rely on chase and shape rather than velocity. Most notably, he has allowed no more than five home runs in each of the past two seasons. While additional swing-and-miss growth may be limited, Henderson’s ability to induce weak contact gives him a stable back-end profile.
8. Brycen Mautz SP
Brycen Mautz is a reminder that extreme traits can still succeed. The 6’3″ lefty throws from a sidearm slot on the far first-base side of the rubber, creating uncomfortable angles with his curveball and slider before mixing in a 93+ mph four-seamer.
Prospect Watch
Brycen Mautz
A Springfield STL
6’3” LHP
8.8 v San Antonio
6 IP 1H 0R 2BB 10K
14whiffs/91pitches
Improving outcomes as he heads to 3rd straight season 100+IP. Struck out 3 in last IP.
Mainly SL/FF 93
25: 28K% 7BB% 2.99ERA
Last 7: 42K 9BB 2HR 65%strikes 34.2 IP pic.twitter.com/M5pZ1Nm7ZO
— YGM Fantasy Baseball (@YGMfantasy) August 12, 2025
Right-handed hitters have found more success, accounting for 12 of the 13 home runs he allowed. Still, Mautz stabilized his swinging-strike rate around 13% and boosted his strikeout rate to nearly 29%. Now on the 40-man roster and likely headed to Triple-A in 2026, Mautz could work deeper into games if he sustains his strong 65% strike rate.
9. Jimmy Crooks C
The Cardinals’ catching depth paid dividends when Jimmy Crooks made his MLB debut in late August. The 24-year-old left-handed hitter built his case in 2024 with a 154 wRC+ in Double-A, then followed with solid underlying metrics in Triple-A: 81% contact rate, 42% hard-hit rate, and a 17% pulled air rate.
First big league home run for Jimmy Crooks! 💥 pic.twitter.com/sG0xaKiGwY
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) August 31, 2025
In 46 Major League plate appearances, Crooks improved to an 85% contact rate with a 39% hard-hit rate and an 18% pulled air rate, even if results lagged. He projects as an average power bat with better-than-expected batting average potential, supported by strong receiving skills and above-average pop times. With MLB experience under his belt, Crooks enters 2026 as the likely primary backup to Ivan Herrera.
10. Leonardo Bernal C
Leonardo Bernal spent all of 2025 at Double-A, producing league-average results with solid plate discipline and roughly 80% contact. However, his batted-ball profile lacks standout traits: a sub-35% fly-ball rate with no extreme pull tendencies limits power projection.
LEONARDO BERNAL WALK-OFF 2 RUN HOMER IN THE BOTTOM OF THE 10TH! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/LgTzk4lQk6
— Peoria Chiefs (@peoriachiefs) August 23, 2024
Bernal’s best stretch came in May and June, when he launched five home runs in each month with a .900+ OPS. Outside of that window, he hit just three home runs across four months. As a switch hitter with steady discipline, Bernal profiles as a potential 15-homer catcher, but his ceiling trails Jimmy Crooks—and his timeline lags behind Rodriguez.
11. Yairo Padilla SS
Yairo Padilla is a switch-hitting speedster whose transition stateside was cut short by injury. Before missing the final 23 games of the season, Padilla largely replicated his DSL profile: high averages, strong BABIP, and relentless speed, albeit with slightly reduced power and a higher ground-ball rate.
If you want to roster a 2024 DSL player without the buzz, it’s Yairo Padilla of the Cardinals. Ranked 7th in the system for me. Highly athletic frame that is bigger than his listed 6’0″. Heres my report from the Cardinals list. Link to full top 30 below.
📹: Aldo Ramirez on YT pic.twitter.com/kX3bRNOQWB
— Chris Clegg (@ChrisCleggMiLB) January 11, 2025
His arm from shortstop draws praise, but his offensive value centers on plate discipline and speed. Padilla has stolen 22+ bases in each of the past two seasons in roughly six weeks of games, putting a 60-steal full-season pace firmly in play. Until power emerges in games or underlying metrics, he remains a glove-first speed profile with everyday potential.
12. Braden Davis SP
Braden Davis sits comfortably between extremes in the Cardinals’ left-handed pitching wave. Working from a high three-quarters slot, Davis relies on command and pitch shape rather than velocity, with no offering exceeding 93 mph.
Prospect Watch
Braden Davis
A+ Peoria STL
8.28 v South Bend
5.1 IP 1H 2ER 3BB 8K
17whiffs/81pitches
A lot of whiffs for sub-94 arsenal.
25: 34K% 16BB% 17%SwK 2.93ERA 107.2 IP pic.twitter.com/kjrs9Hl9gW
— YGM Fantasy Baseball (@YGMfantasy) September 2, 2025
His sinker features 17 inches of IVB and 12 inches of horizontal movement, while his changeup to righties boasts 12 inches of fade and a 60% whiff rate. Despite a drastic shift toward fly balls at High-A (56% FB rate, 42% infield flies), he did not allow a home run across 36 innings. Davis posted strikeout rates above 33% with a 17% swinging-strike rate, though free passes remain an issue—highlighted by an eight-walk outing in May. Even so, his ability to miss bats with modest velocity is notable.
13. Tanner Franklin SP
While much of the attention centered on the Liam Doyle selection, the Cardinals quietly grabbed his college teammate, flame-throwing right-hander Tanner Franklin. The 6’5″ righty unleashes premium velocity from a smooth, three-quarter arm slot, having topped out at 101.2 mph with 19 inches of induced vertical break before even reaching the minor leagues.
Prospect Watch
Tanner Franklin
A+ Peoria STL
6’5” RHP 21yo
9.6vBeloit
1.2 IP 3H 0R 1BB 2K
4whiffs/38pitches
Is this TEN ‘25 pick their best SP?
Fluid 3/4 power delivery w 101+gas
Hi spin SL may be much needed 2nd weapon
Left game w back injury, not long term concern for now pic.twitter.com/0l4MSHdutG
— YGM Fantasy Baseball (@YGMfantasy) December 17, 2025
Franklin pairs his explosive four-seam fastball with a cutter and sinker, while also mixing in both a changeup and slider. The depth of his arsenal is impressive, though it may need to be streamlined if command remains an issue. The upside is obvious: if Franklin can harness his fastball, it has the raw power to overwhelm opposing lineups.
14. Nathan Church OF
Nathan Church reached the Majors late in 2025 and homered in Tampa Bay, though the debut came with plenty of swing-and-miss. Prior to the call-up, he posted a 95% zone-contact rate in Triple-A with 90th-percentile speed, profiling as a hit-and-run type.
📊 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲 – 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 📊
Nathan Church (@SCSpikes ’21) became the third #MLBDraftLeague alum to reach @MLB when he made his debut on August 17.
Church appeared in 27 games with the @Cardinals and blasted his first major league… pic.twitter.com/hllwwRRq4E
— MLB Draft League Data (@draftleaguedata) October 21, 2025
Hard contact remains modest (40% hard-hit, 103 EV90), positioning Church more as a doubles hitter. His aggressive approach led to chase-driven strikeouts at the MLB level, though encouragingly, he held his own against left-handed pitching. On a rebuilding Cardinals roster, Church could carve out more opportunities if he reins in the chase.
15. Chen-Wei Lin SP
At 6’7″, Chen-Wei Lin leverages elite extension (7+ feet) to make his 98 mph fastball play even harder. Control remains the hurdle, as his 58% strike rate limits effectiveness despite a 12% swinging-strike rate.
Prospect Watch
Chen-Wei Lin
AA Springfield STL
6’7” RHP 23yo
9.14vSanAntonio
4 IP 0H 0R 2BB 9K
11whiffs/61pitches
Long arm action, lo 3/4 w athletic finish 7’extension
CH star pitch
SL dives gloveside
CU quick arc
Missed 1st mo w forearm issue
25: 31K% 17BB% 50.1 IP 5.54ERA pic.twitter.com/hM1pXv3rGb
— YGM Fantasy Baseball (@YGMfantasy) October 18, 2025
The changeup is the star: 14 inches of armside run, low spin, and a 60% whiff rate in the AFL. The sinker also flashes promise with 16 inches of run at 95+ mph. A forearm issue slowed his 2025, but a return toward his 2024 line (2.79 ERA, 27% K%, 8% BB%) would reestablish Lin as a legitimate upside arm.
The Next 5 Prospects
16. Brandon Clarke SP/RP
Brandon Clarke’s future likely lies in the bullpen rather than the rotation. While his stuff is electric—highlighted by an 80-grade slider—durability concerns linger following Tommy John surgery and recurring arm issues.
Prospect Watch
Brandon Clarke
A+ Greenville BOS
6’4” LHP
5.11 v Rome
2.1 IP 1H 2ER 1BB 2HBP 6K
10 whiffs/57 pitches
Literal backfoot slider & 96 FF. A bit wild in this game, still building up stamina. A lot of hype for BC & will monitor for improvements.
2025: 45K% 5BB% pic.twitter.com/qGtoXqUFHT
— YGM Fantasy Baseball (@YGMfantasy) May 13, 2025
Before disappearing in early August, Clarke ran strikeout rates near 40% with an 18% swinging-strike rate, eventually settling at 35% K% and 16% SwStr. Control remains the glaring weakness, with a sub-60% strike rate and 15% walk rate. Still, the upside of a high-leverage reliever—or even closer—keeps Clarke relevant despite the risk.
17. Leonel Sequera SP
Leonel Sequera is a ground-ball-oriented right-hander who leans on a sinker-changeup combination, complemented by a gyro slider as his primary finisher. With above-average extension and improving strikeouts (up to 20% in 2025), Sequera limits damage rather than overpowering hitters.
Prospect Watch
Leonel Sequera
A Palm Beach STL
6’0” RHP 20 yo
6.11 v Lakeland
6 IP 2H 1ER 1HR 1BB 10K
14 whiffs/81 pitches
6.8 ft of extension!
SL is star pitch gyro 2” break, 46% whiff rate. FF 93 w 15.6” IVB.
25: 22.4K% 7.6BB%
Someone to monitor. pic.twitter.com/8FdOaC8ltc
— YGM Fantasy Baseball (@YGMfantasy) June 13, 2025
A five-pitch mix, solid control, and favorable batted-ball profile give him a chance to climb if the strikeout gains hold at higher levels.
18. Sebastian Dos Santos SS/2B
No es un santo—son dos. Sebastian Dos Santos has quickly separated himself as one of the more intriguing DSL prospects in the system. The middle infielder has shown a repeatable ability to lift the ball to his pull side, an encouraging trait given his growing power-speed blend.
First-year DSL of this group:
– Sebastian Dos Santos (17 y/o)
– Elorky Rodriguez (17 y/o)
– Marco Arugdin (19 y/o, IFA from Cuba)
– Gabriel Davadillo (17 y/o)
– Arguelles hit .422 w/5 HR in 52 games.
– Davadillo leads with 7 HR.
– Dos Santos hit 13 2B, 4 HR & stole 13 bases. pic.twitter.com/LhoQvV69D2
— LouisAnalysis (@LouisAnalysis) October 28, 2025
Dos Santos settled in at shortstop and put together a standout July, launching three home runs, stealing seven bases, and slashing .304 / .450 / .652. He paired that production with a solid 72% contact rate, giving him a strong offensive floor. Among this year’s DSL class, Dos Santos is showing the highest upside in the organization.
19. Blaze Jordan 1B/3B
Blaze Jordan has been grinding through the minors since being drafted out of high school in the third round of the 2020 draft, and 2025 finally marked his most complete statistical season. He set career highs in RBIs, home runs, and stolen bases, while also posting his best underlying metrics: highest contact rate, lowest swinging-strike rate, best walk-to-strikeout ratio, and his highest slugging percentage since his debut season.
That makes his omission from the Cardinals’ 40-man roster—and exposure in the Rule 5 draft—particularly puzzling. Had another team selected him, the Cardinals would have faced a glaring hole at first base, as Jordan is currently their only Triple-A option at the position.
Blaze Jordan recorded three hard-hit BBE today, two of which left the bat at over 109 MPH:
110.6 MPH EV, 0° LA (Groundout)
109.5 MPH EV, 14° LA (Lineout)
98.8 MPH EV, 37° LA (Flyout) pic.twitter.com/CeBvQpbPna
— Kareem Haq (@KareemSSN) August 3, 2025
Jordan hit seven home runs while posting a 36% hard-hit rate, an 89% zone-contact rate, and his highest max exit velocity. However, he hit below .200 due in large part to an extremely unlucky .185 BABIP, worsened by a cold August. He rebounded in September and closed the season strong, but remains in roster limbo. Jordan could still emerge as a power bat for St. Louis, though he may ultimately become trade bait as the organization reshapes its roster.
20. Yhoiker Fajardo SP
Yhoiker Fajardo was acquired in yet another trade with Boston as Chaim Bloom restocks the organization with tons of Red Sox talent. The Dominican Summer League standout made the jump over to Single-A, where he had a strong finish to his 2025 season. Fajardo finished his last seven games with 42 strikeouts to five walks over 28.2 innings. He allowed only five earned runs and had a strong 16% swinging strike rate during that period.
Prospect Watch
Yhoiker Fajardo
A traded to STL
6’3” RHP 19yo
8.24vCarolina
6 IP 2H 0R 0BB 8K
16whiffs/74pitches
Finished ‘25 strong
Last 7: 28.2 IP 42K:12BB 5ER 16SwK%
3/4 arm slot w close to body arm action
4+pitches
Nice CH/SI combo
FF~94
SL
May be just outside STL top 20 pic.twitter.com/mN3Ju6lFAJ
— YGM Fantasy Baseball (@YGMfantasy) December 22, 2025
The 6’3″ righty has a nice combination of pitches in the changeup and sinker to neutralize same-sided hitters. He also blends in a 94 mph fastball and slider. His delivery is slightly deceptive with a slow windup morphing into a quick arm action. With an ability to throw strikes using a strong arsenal, Fajardo will be a player to watch as he matures in a new organization.
Honorable Mention:
The Cardinals’ pitching staff dealt with a lot of injuries in 2025. In addition to short-term injured list stints for Tink Hence and Quinn Mathews, they had three prospects succumb to Tommy John surgery, leaving their future so much in doubt that they cannot be considered a Top 20 prospect until they demonstrate some modicum of health. There is no common trait amongst all of these players, so it is pure coincidence that they occurred within the same year, and not a bigger indictment of the organization.
Tink Hence was placed on the injured list in July and never pitched again due to shoulder inflammation. Given that he also missed time in 2024 and started 2025 late due to a rib cage strain, Hence will be much lower in the rankings.
Tekoah Roby dealt with elbow issues in 2024 and then had Tommy John Surgery in July 2025.
Cooper Hjerpe had Tommy John surgery in April 2025.
Sem Robberse had Tommy John surgery in May 2025. He has been resigned on a Minor League contract for 2026, so he could earn a spot down the line.
Adapted by Kurt Wasemiller (@kurt_player02 on Instagram & Threads @kuwasemiller.bksy.social on BlueSky)