The St. Louis Cardinals have long been recognized for their ability to develop homegrown talent, a tradition that continues as we look ahead to the 2025 season. With a farm system brimming with promising prospects, the Cardinals are poised to introduce a new wave of players who could significantly impact the team’s future success. Let’s delve into the top 10 prospects within the Cardinals organization, exploring their backgrounds, skills, and potential contributions.
1. JJ Wetherholt – Shortstop
Selected in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft, JJ Wetherholt has quickly ascended to the top of the Cardinals’ prospect rankings. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 190 pounds, Wetherholt is a left-handed hitter known for his exceptional contact skills and plate discipline. Despite a hamstring injury that limited his playing time in 2024, he showcased resilience and talent upon his return, demonstrating a mature approach at the plate. His defensive versatility allows him to play multiple infield positions, though he primarily projects as a shortstop. With an estimated arrival in the majors by 2026, Wetherholt’s development will be closely monitored as he progresses through the minor league system.
2. Quinn Mathews – Left-Handed Pitcher
Quinn Mathews, a 6’5″ southpaw, was drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Known for his impressive fastball, which has seen a velocity increase since his collegiate days at Stanford, Mathews complements it with a sharp slider and a deceptive changeup. In 2024, he advanced through four levels of the minor leagues, culminating in a stint at Triple-A Memphis. Over 143 1/3 innings, he recorded a 2.76 ERA and amassed 202 strikeouts, showcasing his ability to dominate hitters. With a projected MLB debut in 2025, Mathews is on the cusp of contributing to the Cardinals’ rotation.
3. Tink Hence – Right-Handed Pitcher
Drafted in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft, Tink Hence has developed into one of the most electrifying arms in the Cardinals’ system. At 6’1″ and 175 pounds, Hence possesses elite arm speed, delivering a fastball that sits in the mid-90s, complemented by a devastating slider and a developing changeup. In 2024, he spent the majority of the season at Double-A Springfield, where he continued to refine his command and build up his innings workload. Despite some injury setbacks, Hence’s potential as a frontline starter remains high, with an MLB arrival anticipated in 2025.
4. Thomas Saggese – Infielder
Acquired from the Texas Rangers in a trade, Thomas Saggese has impressed with his consistent offensive production.Standing at 5’11” and weighing 185 pounds, Saggese is a right-handed hitter with a knack for making contact and driving the ball to all fields. In 2024, he split time between Double-A and Triple-A, posting a combined batting average of .290 with 18 home runs and 75 RBIs. His defensive versatility allows him to play both second and third base, providing valuable depth to the Cardinals’ infield. Saggese made his MLB debut late in 2024 and is expected to compete for a regular role in 2025.
5. Yairo Padilla – Shortstop
Yairo Padilla, an international signee, has quickly made a name for himself within the Cardinals’ organization. As a shortstop, Padilla exhibits smooth fielding mechanics and a strong arm, making him a reliable presence on the left side of the infield. Offensively, he has shown promise with a balanced approach and the ability to make consistent contact. In 2024, playing at High-A, Padilla posted a .275 batting average with 12 home runs and 60 RBIs. His continued development at the plate and in the field will be key as he aims for a potential MLB debut in 2026.
6. Tekoah Roby – Right-Handed Pitcher
Tekoah Roby, acquired in a trade, has emerged as a promising right-handed pitcher within the Cardinals’ farm system.Known for his advanced pitchability, Roby features a fastball that sits in the low to mid-90s, along with a curveball and changeup that keep hitters off balance. In 2024, he pitched primarily at Double-A Springfield, recording a 3.50 ERA with 150 strikeouts over 130 innings. Roby’s command and composure on the mound suggest a future as a mid-rotation starter, with an MLB debut projected for 2025.
7. Cooper Hjerpe – Left-Handed Pitcher
A first-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Cooper Hjerpe has steadily progressed through the Cardinals’ minor league ranks. Standing at 6’3″, Hjerpe utilizes a deceptive delivery and a fastball-changeup combination to keep hitters guessing.In 2024, he spent time at both High-A and Double-A, posting a combined 3.20 ERA with 160 strikeouts over 140 innings.His ability to generate swings and misses, coupled with his poise on the mound, positions him as a potential back-end starter or valuable bullpen piece in the near future.
8. Chase Davis – Outfielder
Chase Davis, an outfielder drafted in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance with his athleticism and offensive potential. At 6’1″ and 210 pounds, Davis possesses a blend of power and speed that makes him a dynamic threat on the field.
9. Jimmy Crooks – Catcher
Jimmy Crooks, a left-handed hitting catcher, has steadily climbed the ranks since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB Draft. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 230 pounds, Crooks combines a solid defensive skill set with offensive potential. In the 2024 season, he showcased his abilities at Triple-A Memphis, posting a .265 batting average with 15 home runs and 60 RBIs. His defensive prowess includes strong game-calling skills and a respectable arm, making him a well-rounded catcher. With an estimated MLB arrival in 2025, Crooks could provide valuable depth behind the plate for the Cardinals.
10. Michael McGreevy – Right-Handed Pitcher
Michael McGreevy, a right-handed pitcher, was selected by the Cardinals in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft.Known for his command and pitchability, McGreevy stands at 6’4″ and 215 pounds. In the 2024 season, he pitched primarily at Triple-A Memphis, recording a 3.85 ERA with 140 strikeouts over 150 innings. His repertoire includes a low-90s fastball, a sharp slider, and a developing changeup. Projected to make his MLB debut in 2025, McGreevy has the potential to become a reliable mid-rotation starter for the Cardinals.
These prospects, along with the previously discussed players, highlight the depth and potential within the Cardinals’ farm system. As they continue to develop, they hold the promise of contributing significantly to the Cardinals’ success in the coming years.
