All posts by Brian Walton

Brian Walton runs The Cardinal Nation, covering the St. Louis Cardinals and minor league system.

Romero’s Trip to the IL Leads Friday Cardinals System Moves

On Wednesday, the St. Louis Cardinals minor league player transactions were centered on Triple-A Memphis and Double-A Springfield. On Friday, July 17, coming out of the All-Star break, the primary focus was on the other three teams in the system – St. Louis, High-A Peoria, Low-A Palm Beach – with 13 moves.

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Trevor Condon Leads Initial Cardinals Draft Signees

photo: Zach Mortimer and Trevor Condon (St. Louis Cardinals)

St. Louis Cardinals first round draft pick Trevor Condon visited the team on Thursday and signed his initial professional contract.

Thursday, July 16 was a busy day for the St. Louis Cardinals as a number of 2026 draftees reportedly came to terms with the team. I say “reportedly” as only first-rounder Trevor Condon, who had a signing ceremony in St. Louis, has been confirmed by the team.

I expect the remainder (as well as others) new signings to appear in a press release very soon, likely on Friday. In the meantime, here is a quick wrap up with more details coming.

Trevor Condon

OF Trevor Condon (13th overall) signed for $5.16 million, per Derrick Goold. That is $501,300 under slot.

Caden Ferraro

1B Caden Ferraro (third round) signed under slot for $800,000, also per Goold. That gave the Cardinals additional savings of $143,600.

Dee Kennedy

SS Dee Kennedy (fourth round) signed for his slot value of $684,300, reported by Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline on Wednesday.

Dawson Montesa

RHP Dawson Montesa (Comp Bal B) posted photos of his signing on Instagram on Thursday. Financials are to be announced.

Here are other reported signings:

For more

Information about the entire Cardinals draft class of 23 players can be found in these articles.

Cardinals Lead with Trevor Condon on 2026 MLB Draft Day 1

St. Louis Cardinals Select 16 to Conclude 2026 Draft

For roster and player information

The team rosters here at The Cardinal Nation are kept up to date daily. To access them, click on “ROSTERS/PLAYERS/MOVES” located on the red menu bar on the left of the page beneath The Cardinal Nation site logo.

To see the Cardinals’ entire system by level and position on one page along with every player transaction for every club all year long, check out the always current Roster Matrix at The Cardinal Nation. It is kept updated daily and is accessible from the same menu as team rosters.

Rosters and the Matrix will be updated once the Cardinals confirm the signings. Until then, they are listed separately.

Now available – 2026 Cardinals Prospect Guide

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Springfield Cardinals Notebook – 2026 Week 15

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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian and The Cardinal Nation on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

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St. Louis Cardinals Select 16 to Conclude 2026 Draft

photo: Cal Randall (UCLA Athletics)

The second and final day of the 2026 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, with the St. Louis Cardinals selections’ being made by Scouting Director Zach Mortimer under the leadership of AGM Randy Flores, consists of 16 selections covering rounds 5-20 on Sunday, July 12.

St. Louis’ initial Day 2 selection in the fifth round at 146th overall is UCLA reliever Cal Randall.

See the Cardinals full 2026 Draft Day 1 details here.

Cardinals Lead with Trevor Condon on 2026 MLB Draft Day 1

Update: Draft summary

Overall in the 2026 Draft, the Cardinals took 12 pitchers, 11 of whom are right-handers. They also added 11 position players – one catcher, five infielders and five outfielders.

After St. Louis took a high schooler in the second round in 2025, they matched that in 2026 – and took one in the first round also!

The sweet spot is college juniors, as is always the case, with 15. The Cardinals selected one sophomore, and made five selections who are either seniors or graduate students.

Initially, I thought the latter was a high number, perhaps signaling considerable cost savings. However, the 2025 senior total was one higher at six.

Then again, 2025 was the first year in a very long time in which the Cardinals kept total spending underneath the allocation and did not use the allowable five percent overage.

Let’s see what happens between now and the July 27 signing deadline.

For more

Return to this article at The Cardinal Nation often on Sunday afternoon and evening as information about all St. Louis’ day 2 draft picks will be posted shortly as soon as possible after they are made.

To reference the Cardinals’ new draft class on an ongoing basis here at The Cardinal Nation, each player will have a profile located on a holding team called “DRAFT UNSIGNED PLAYERS”. This can be accessed at the bottom of the drop-down menu in the red column in the left menu called “ROSTERS/PLAYERS/MOVES” or click here.

St. Louis’ selections – 2026 Draft Day 2

Fifth round, 146th overall – Cal Randall – P

UCLA, junior
6’4/235 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Discovery Bay, California

Cal Randall

Randall is known for arm strength and velocity. The UCLA junior relies heavily on his fastball, which comes from a low release point. It averages 97 mph and can touch 101. The big reliever also has a slider/cutter in the low 90s.

In 2026, Randall logged a 3.19 ERA with 57 strikeouts and 19 walks across 31 innings in 34 appearances.

Like many who throw hard, Randall’s future success may hinge on improving his control.

There is a difference of opinion between Baseball America and MLB Pipeline regarding Randall. BA ranked him their no. 122 draft eligible prospect, but Pipeline put him at no. 218.

The pool amount for this pick is $501,300.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Mike Garciaparra                   MLB Draft Video: LINK

  • Was 3-0 with a 3.19 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 57 strikeouts in 31.0 IP for a 16.5 K/9 rate across 34 appearances as a junior this season at UCLA.
  • His 44.2% strikeout rate in 2026 was the second-best in college baseball among pitchers who threw at least 30 innings.
  • Posted a 3.43 ERA over 65 appearances and 63.0 innings with a 35.5% strikeout rate in his three seasons out the Bruins bullpen.
  • Is the first UCLA product selected by St. Louis since RHP Charles Harrison IV in 2023 (7th round) and the second UCLA player chosen by St. Louis in the 5th round, joining Jermaine Curtis (2008).
  • Participated in the 2022 MLB/USA Baseball Prospect Development Pipeline League.
  • Admires Nolan Ryan. Can ride a unicycle.
  • Son of Cindy and Jay; has one brother, Danny.

Sixth round, 175th overall – Owen Henne – SS

Seton Hill University, junior
6’3/188 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Wexford, PA

Owen Henne

Owen Henne (Seton Hill University Athletics)

This was a pick out of left field by the Cardinals as Henne was not among BA’s Top 500 draft prospects nor did he make Pipeline’s Top 250. Likely the organization will get some cost savings with this selection.

Henne spent his first three seasons at Division II Seton Hill and committed to West Virginia University for his senior season. With good bat-to-ball skills, Henne hit .401 in 42 games for the Griffins this spring. He drew 20 walks compared to just 17 strikeouts.

The right-handed hitter then competed in the MLB Draft League this summer for the West Virginia Black Bears, where he slashed .302/.486/.528/1.014 in 16 games. Walks and strikeouts were equal at 11.

Defensively, Henne has been a shortstop, but may be a utility player as he moves through the system.

The pool amount for this pick is $383,400.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Jim Negrych

  • Batted .302/.486/.528 with a 1.015 OPS in 16 games with West Virginia Black Bears in the 2026 MLB Draft League, where he was a teammate of Cardinals 15th round draft pick RHP Brian Garmon II.
  • Hit .401/.489/.592 with 10 2B, 5 HR, 39 RBI and 45 runs scored in 43 games for Division II Seton Hill (Pa.) University as a junior in 2026. Led the team as a sophomore with a .375 batting average and .575 slugging percentage.
  • Drew more walks (64) in his three-year career at Seton Hill than strikeouts (54).
  • Played two seasons for the Prospect League’s Cape Catfish in Cape Girardeau, Mo., from 2024-25.
  • Committed to transfer to West Virginia University in June.
  • Son of Jason and Allison Henne; has one brother, Adam, and one sister, Calle, who plays softball at the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Father played football at Duquesne, while his mother was on the rowing crew. His uncle, Aaron Henne, played football at the University of Maryland.

Seventh round, 204th overall – Derek Schaefer – P

Arizona State, junior
6’3/210 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Cave Creek, AZ

Derek Schaefer

Derek Schaefer (Arizona State University Athletics)

Schaefer spent his freshman year at Tennessee before moving closer to home at Arizona State for the last two springs.

He pitched in the Cape Cod League in 2025, logging a 3.86 ERA in eight relief appearances. Schaefer struck out 23 but issued 18 walks in 28 innings.

As the Sun Devils’ closer in 2026, he picked up nine saves while striking out over 11 batters per nine innings. Schaefer’s ERA was 5.88, however. His strikeout to walk count was 42 to 14.

The right-hander’s fastball is in the 93-96 mph range and he has a low-80’s curveball.

Schaefer was unranked by MLB Pipeline and was 403rd on Baseball America’s top 500 draft eligible prospects.

The pool amount for this pick is $302,300.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Matt Grangetto

  • Posted a team-high 9 saves and tied for the team lead with 31 appearances in 2026 for the Arizona State Sun Devils.
  • Made eight appearances (4 starts) for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox in the 2025 Cape Cod League, going 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA.
  • Pitched for the 2024 NCAA Division I-champion University of Tennessee squad as a freshman.
  • Participated in the 2022 Perfect Game National Showcase at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., and the 2021 Perfect Game Jr. National Showcase.
  • Is the first Arizona State player selected by St. Louis since C Ryan Campos (4th round, 2024).
  • Was a teammate of Cardinals 2026 14th-round pick RHP Jaden Alba at Arizona State from 2025-26.
  • Son of David and Patricia Schaefer. Mother played collegiate basketball at Division II Lewis (Ill.) University.

Eighth round, 234th overall – Luke Harrison – P

University of Texas, graduate student
6’2, 220 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/L
Hometown: Friendswood, TX

Luke Harrison

Luke Harrison (University of Texas Athletics)

Harrison is unique as he played at Texas this spring as a graduate student. As a result, he is one of the older players drafted at 23.

This season at UT, Harrison made 16 starts and had three relief outings. His ERA was 4.10 and he walked 35 batters.

MLB Network draft commentators twice labeled Harrison as a “finesse lefty”. As far as I am concerned, 100 strikeouts in 83 1/3 innings speaks to more than finesse.

Harrison reportedly has six pitches with his cutter his best secondary, along with a slider, curve and changeup (and two fastballs).

The pool amount for this pick is $241,000. His signing should be a cost-saver for the Cardinals.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Pete Parise

  • Is currently with USA Baseball National Collegiate Team and made a start today (5.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 SO) to earn the win in a 10-6 victory over Chinese Taipei at the World Collegiate Baseball Championship in Taichung City, Taiwan.
  • Made 19 appearances (16 starts) for the University of Texas in 2026, going 6-4 with 100 strikeouts in 83.1 IP.
  • Notched a career-high 11 strikeouts with 1 ER allowed on 2 hits across 5.2 IP in a 2-0 defeat June 16 during the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. Also pitched 2.0 innings in the College World Series as a freshman in 2022.
  • Underwent Tommy John surgery following his freshman year and missed the 2023 season.
  • Was teammates on the 2024 Longhorns squad with Cardinals 2026 4th round pick SS Dee Kennedy and Cardinals 2025 11th round pick INF Jalin Flores (2024 & 2025), and was on the same 2022 Texas pitching staff as Cardinals 2022 3rd round pick LHP Pete Hansen.
  • Won three state championships with Lutheran South Academy in Houston.
  • Son of Annette Harrison and Tom Dela Garza.

Ninth round, 264th overall – Jayden Lobliner – C

University of San Diego, senior
5’10/200 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: St. Charles, IL

Jayden Lobliner

Jayden Lobliner (University of San Diego Athletics)

Lobliner may have an unusual name, but it may be familiar to local fans, as he hails from St. Charles, IL.

He began his career at Kansas State but spent his junior and senior campaigns at San Diego.

Lobliner’s forte is his defense, as he has a plus arm and was recognized as the West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year in both 2025 and 2026.

Lobliner played four seasons of summer ball, most recently slashing .156/.255/.289/.544 in 14 games for Elizabethton in 2025.

The right-handed batter showed some power in 2026 with 16 doubles, 10 home runs and slugging .539 in 51 games for the Toreros.

Lobliner was not ranked among BA’s top 400 or Pipeline’s top 250 draft prospects.

The pool amount for this pick is $210,600. As a senior, Lobliner’s signing bonus leverage is low.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Chris Rodriguez

  • Was a two-time West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year (2025-26), and his 16 attempted baserunners caught was the 2nd most in the WCC in 2025.
  • Named All-WCC Second Team in both 2025 and 2026.
  • Led the 2026 San Diego squad with 10 home runs, 111 total bases and 51 games played, and was T-1st with 16 doubles while batting .296 as a senior.
  • Played two seasons at Kansas State (2023-24) before transferring to San Diego for final two collegiate campaigns.
  • Played in the Appalachian League for three seasons with Bristol (2023) and Elizabethton (2024-25), as well as 15 games for Madison of the Northwoods League in 2023.
  • Was a teammate on the 2025 San Diego Toreros with Cardinals 2025 3rd round pick 1B Jack Gurevitch.
  • Is passionate about diet & nutrition in pursuit of sports performance & health improvements. Spends time learning about and practicing tools that can enhance his baseball abilities, such as breathwork and neurological training.
  • Son of Aaron and Ginger Lobliner.

10th round, 294th overall – Nick Bonn, P

Cal Poly, senior
6’1, 160 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Laguna Beach, CA

Nick Bonn

Nick Bonn (Pepperdine University Athletics)

Slender at 6-foot-1, 160 pounds, Bonn was a starter in his second season at Pepperdine as a sophomore. He transferred to Dallas Baptist for his junior year and shifted to relief.

Bonn’s third collegiate stop was Cal Poly in 2026, where his 17 saves topped Division I. He struck out 50, walked 21 in 49 2/3 innings and posted an ERA of 3.44.

Bonn has a 95-97 mph fastball with a sweeper at 82-85 and a splitter.

The pool amount for this pick is $197,400. As the third straight senior/grad student to close out the top 10, Bonn should sign for a relatively low bonus, providing the Cardinals additional cost savings. It should be interesting to see how the extra cash is deployed.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Mike Garciaparra

  • Led all NCAA Division I hurlers in 2026 with 17 saves as a senior for the Cal Poly Mustangs.
  • Transferred from Dallas Baptist to Cal Poly for the 2026 season and made a team-high 28 relief appearances with a 3.44 ERA in 49.2 IP.
  • Was named to the 2026 Big West Championship All-Tournament Team along with Cardinals 2026 18th round draft pick Gabe Camacho (UC San Diego).
  • Made 15 relief outings for Dallas Baptist as a junior in 2025 after he transferred from Pepperdine, where he spent his first two collegiate seasons from 2023-24.
  • Named a Finalist for the 2026 NBCWA Stopper of the Year Award honoring the nation’s top relief pitcher, and to the 2026 Perfect Game All-American Third Team.
  • Trains in Muay Thai, wants to be a fish and game warden, and wants to train jiu jitsu.
  • Favorite baseball player was former Cardinals OF Peter Bourjos.
  • Enjoys watching UFC, going to the beach and eating sweets.
  • Son of Robert and Maria; has one brother, Will, who played baseball at Concordia University Irvine (Calif.).

11th round, 324th overall – Jacob Haley – P

University of South Alabama, junior
Height/wgt: 6-foot-3, 200 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Huntsville, AL

Jacob Haley

In his junior season in 2026, the right-handed pitcher (who also played briefly on the infield) made nine appearances in relief. Haley struck out 20 hitters across 14 2/3 innings pitched, a 12.7 K/9 rate. He walked just five and logged a 3.08 ERA for the Jaguars.

Haley had Tommy John surgery in 2022.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Keanan Lamb

  • Struck out 20 batters across 14.2 IP with a 3.07 ERA in 9 relief appearances as a senior at South Alabama in 2026.
  • Posted a 1.38 ERA in four appearances (2 starts) for the Orleans Firebirds in the 2026 Cape Cod League.
  • Notable Cardinals from the University of South Alabama include Brendan Donovan (2018 7th round) and David Freese.
  • Was a teammate with Cardinals 2026 15th round draft pick RHP Brian Gorman II from 2025-26 at South Alabama.
  • Son of Joseph and Monanca; has two siblings, Kenneth and Addilyn.

12th round, 354th overall – Drew Horn – P

Middle Tennessee State, junior
5’11/185 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Smyrna, TN

Drew Horn

Drew Horn (J.D. Elliott/MTSU Athletic Communications)

Horn had a 7.32 ERA in his 10 appearances (eight starts) during his senior season after posting a 1.75 ERA in eight starts in 2025. In 2026, he struck out 41 and walked 14 in 35 2/3 innings.

The right-hander’s career highlight occurred in 2025, when he threw a no-hitter with 13 strikeouts (see video below).

Horn started his college career with Walters State Community College in 2023 (redshirt) and 2024.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: TC Calhoun

  • Made eight starts in both of his seasons at Middle Tennessee State (2024-25), including a 1.75 ERA and a team-high 57 strikeouts in 46.1 IP as a redshirt sophomore.
  • Threw a 9.0-inning no-hitter with 13 strikeouts vs. Oakland University on March 9, 2025, to earn College Baseball Foundation co-Pitcher of the Week honors.
  • Was on the 2026 National Pitcher of the Year Watchlist and All-Conference USA Preseason Team, and the 2025 All-Conference USA Second Team.
  • Began his collegiate career at Walters State (Tenn.) Community College and appeared in 16 games as a redshirt freshman in 2024, posting a 3.25 ERA in 25 innings with a 14.04 K/9 rate.
  • Son of Randy and Terri Horn. Father played football at Middle Tennessee State, and grandfather, Larry Maxwell, played both baseball and basketball at Tennessee Tech.

13th round, 384th overall – Matthew Thomas – OF

Cal State Northridge, junior
6’3/205 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Garden Grove, CA

Matthew Thomas

Matthew Thomas (Chuck Morvel/Cal State Northridge Athletics)

Thomas began his collegiate years with two seasons at Cal.

He transferred to Cal State Northridge and had a breakout junior season. Thomas was a 40-40 man (runs and RBI), only the third in school history since 2010 and his 142 total bases were the most at the school since 2004.

Thomas received All-Big West First Team Honors in 2026. His nickname is “Chewy”.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Mike Garciaparra

  • Earned All-Big West First Team honors as a junior in 2026 at Cal State-Northridge.
  • Tied for the Big West lead with 21 doubles (T-28th in Division I) and a .679 slugging percentage across 53 games played in 2026.
  • Led the 2026 Matadors with a .335 batting average, 1.090 OPS, 70 hits, 47 runs scored, 22 walks and 142 total bases.
  • Transferred to Cal State-Northridge for the 2026 season after two seasons at University of California-Berkeley.
  • Nicknamed “Chewy,” and played football at Cypress (Calif.) High School.
  • Son of Stephanie and Milton Thomas, and has an older brother, Anthony, who played baseball at Colorado Christian University. Father, Milton, played football at San Diego State.

14th round, 414th overall – Jaden Alba – P

Arizona State University, junior
6’3/225 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Long Beach, CA

Jaden Alba

Jaden Alba (Arizona State University Athletics)

Alba pitched three seasons for the Sun Devils of Arizona State. He was primarily a reliever in 2024 and 2026 and was usually a starter in 2025. His ERAs for the three seasons are: 7.36, 5.58 and 6.52, for a 6.20 collegiate average.

In 2026, the right-hander fanned 59 but issued 25 free passes in 49 2/3 innings. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Alba is larger than most other pitchers taken by the Cardinals in Day 2.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Matt Grangetto

  • Pitched at Arizona State for three seasons (2024-26) with 59 strikeouts in 49.2 innings as a junior in 2026.
  • Went 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA in four outings (3 starts) for the Bourne Braves of the 2026 Cape Cod League.
  • Was a teammate of Cardinals 2026 7th round pick RHP Derek Schaefer at Arizona State from 2025-26, and Cardinals 2024 4th round pick C Ryan Campos in 2024.

15th round, 444th overall – Brian Garmon II – P

University of South Alabama, senior
6’2/215 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Cumming, GA

Brian Garmon II

Garmon began with two years at Georgia State followed by two springs with South Alabama. But his innings pitched at his latter stop with the Jaguars totaled under 20.

In his senior year, he made 13 relief appearances over 11 innings with a 4.09 ERA. In this very limited action, Garmon struck out eight and walked three. Hitters batted a collective .340 against his offerings. His 2025 ERA was 8.31, again in very limited action (8 2/3 innings).

Garmon competed in the 2026 MLB Draft League showcase with a 2.45 ERA, again in light work, 3 2/3 innings.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Keanan Lamb

  • Registered two saves in 13 relief outings for the Jaguars as a senior in 2026.
  • Pitched for Georgia State University from 2023-24 before transferring to South Alabama in 2025 for his final two collegiate seasons.
  • Was a teammate with Cardinals 2026 11th round draft pick RHP Jacob Haley from 2025-26 at South Alabama.
  • Tossed 3.0 scoreless innings across three relief appearances in 2026 for the West Virginia Black Bears of the MLB Draft League, where he was a teammate of Cardinals 2026 6th round draft pick SS Owen Henne.
  • Son of Brian and Lynn; has an older sister, Caitlin.
  • Enjoys hunting, snowboarding and fishing.

16th round, 474th overall – Dallis Moran – P

Stetson University, junior
6’1/185 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: St. Amant, LA

Dallis Moran

Despite having just finished his junior year, Moran is well traveled. The Louisiana native began in 2024 at Nicholls State then moved to Chipola College for 2025.

After pitching for Stetson University (Florida) in 2026, Moran committed to Kansas State for 2027. Perhaps he won’t end up joining the Wildcats.

In 28 innings in 20 appearances for the Hatters this season, Moran struck out 43 and walked 18 on his way to a 5.40 ERA.

Moran also pitched effectively in the MLB Draft League in 2026, with a 2.08 ERA over 10 appearances with 18 strikeouts against five walks in 13 innings. His velocity was reportedly reaching 96 mph.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Josh Lopez

  • Notched four saves with a 2.08 ERA in 10 relief appearances in 2026 for the Williamsport Crosscutters of the MLB Draft League.
  • Appeared in 20 games (1 start) with a 13.8 K/9 rate for Stetson (Fla.) University as a junior in 2026.
  • Pitched at Nicholls (La.) State University as a freshman in 2024 before he transferred for the 2025 season to Chipola (Fla.) College, where he made 16 appearances (3 starts) and posted 53 strikeouts in 42.2 innings.
  • Was selected for the Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association Underclass All-State Games in 2022 while at St. Amant (La.) High School.
  • Committed to Kansas State University in June.
  • Son of Kayle and Rusty Moran; has one sister, Cheyenne.

17th round, 504th overall – Jacob Johnson – 3B

St. Mary’s College (CA), junior
6’1, 183 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Danville, CA

Jacob Johnson

Jacob Johnson (St. Mary’s College Athletics)

Johnson moved to St. Mary’s after transferring from Cuesta Junior College following the 2025 season. St. Mary’s was also the source of another third baseman drafted by the Cardinals long ago, Patrick Wisdom. However, while the Cards list Johnson as a third sacker, he was the Gaels’ designated hitter in 2026.

Johnson’s 2026 season was solid as he posted a .338 batting average on 71 hits including 15 doubles and 15 home runs. The latter was second most in the West Coast Conference.

Johnson (6-for-15) helped St. Mary’s take down no. 1 UCLA twice to eliminate the Bruins and make the program’s first ever NCAA regional final.

Following the season, Johnson was named to the ABCA All-West Region First Team.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2190202298218962

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Stacey Pettis

  • Batted .338/.428/.633 with a 1.061 OPS in 58 games in 2026 as a redshirt sophomore for St. Mary’s College of California.
  • Named to the 2026 American Baseball Coaches Association All-America Second Team and was an All-West Coast Conference Honorable Mention.
  • Spent his 2025 season at Cuesta (Calif.) College and hit .346/.437/.585 with 30 RBI across 35 games as a redshirt freshman in 2025; was named to the 2025 All-Western State Conference First Team.
  • Redshirted his only season at Colorado School of Mines in 2024.

18th round, 534th overall – Gabe Camacho – OF

University of California San Diego, junior
6’1/220 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/L
Hometown: Encinitas, CA

Gabe Camacho

Gabe Camacho (Derrick Tuskan/UC San Diego)

Camacho began with the University of the Pacific in 2024, where he hit 10 home runs as a freshman. For Cal San Diego in 2025, he hit .307 and posted a 1.004 OPS.

That summer, he played in the wood bat Cape Cod League and found the going tougher. Camacho’s slash line of .253/.340/.286/.626 included just two extra base hits in 103 plate appearances.

Though the Cardinals list him as an outfielder, Camacho was exclusively the first baseman for Cal San Diego in 2026.

Though his slugging went up from .546 to .576 from 2025, his OPS dipped slightly to .979. Camacho was first in the Big West Conference in RBI (54), runs scored (51), home runs (16) and hit by pitches (27). His long-ball count set the school’s Division 1 record.

Among Camacho’s 2026 honors were spots on the Big West Championship All-Tournament Team and All Big West First Team.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DY24JB3Eumw/

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Chris Rodriguez

  • Set UC San Diego’s Division I single-season home run record with 16 homers in 2026, the most in the Big West Conference; also led the Big West in RBI (54), runs scored (51), home runs (16) and hit by pitch (27).
  • Was hit by 24 pitches as a sophomore in 2025, which ranked second in the Big West and 16th in NCAA Division I.
  • Smacked 10 home runs as a freshman at Pacific (Ore.) University, the most by a freshman in 2024 in the West Coast Conference.
  • Named All-Big West First Team in both 2025 and 2026 at UC San Diego, and West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team in 2025 at Pacific.
  • Was named to the 2026 Big West Championship All-Tournament Team along with Cardinals 2026 10th round draft pick Nick Bonn (Cal Poly).
  • Son of Stephanie and Adam; has four younger siblings. Recently lost a 17-year-old sister after an ATV accident in Utah.

19th round, 564th overall – Clayton Freshcorn – P

Texas A&M, junior
6’0/180 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Walker, TX

Clayton Freshcorn

Clayton Freshcorn (Texas A&M University Athletics)

As a junior in 2026, Freshcorn was an All-American as the Aggies’ closer with 12 saves. In 54 1/3 innings, he posted a 2.82 ERA to go with 56 strikeouts and just six walks.

He spent his freshman season at McLennan Community College (TX).

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Pete Parise

  • Struck out 56 batters against six walks through his 27 appearances (1 start) in 2026 as a junior at Texas A&M.
  • Converted a SEC-high 12 saves, that were the third most in Texas A&M history.
  • Named to the 2026 NCBWA All-America First Team, was a 2026 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Finalist and named All-SEC First Team.
  • Transferred to Texas A&M for the 2025 season after making 16 appearances (10 starts) in 2024 as a freshman at McClennan (Texas) Community College.

20th round, 594th overall – Kollin Ritchie – OF

Oklahoma State University – junior
6’2/228 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/R
Hometown: Atoka, OK

Kollin Ritchie

Ritchie was in this situation before, drafted by the Orioles in the 19th round in 2023 before attending Oklahoma State.

For 2026, he was expected to be taken in the first four rounds but was not. MLB Pipeline ranked Ritchie the 84th best prospect in the draft, while BA had him 110th.

The plus power is real as Ritchie went deep 31 times in 2026 (fourth in Division 1). He had 20 multi-RBI games and finished the year ranked in the top 12 nationally in home runs (31), total bases (185), runs (81), slugging percentage (.804) and RBIs (75).

He is a career .302/.432/.671/1.103 hitter with 53 home runs in 156 games, with a 20.7% strikeout rate and 14.5% walk rate.

The left-handed hitter’s bat speed is impressive as he posted a 107.9 mph 90th percentile exit velocity this spring. But he also has swing and miss tendencies, as do most power-over-average hitters.

Ritchie struggled in the Cape Cod League in 2024 and 2025, but it is likely a moot point.

He profiles as a corner outfielder as a professional but also has some experience at the infield corners and in center field.

While Ritchie had to be considered a huge longshot to sign, the very slim chances were squashed by the player on Sunday evening.

Still, if the Cardinals get stuck with a lot of excess money, they might try to change his mind prior to the July 27 signing deadline.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Dirk Kinney                              MLB Draft Video: LINK

  • Ranked 4th in NCAA Division I with 31 home runs in 2026 as a junior at Oklahoma State University; also ranked 6th with 175 total bases, 7th with a .804 slugging percentage, T-7th with 81 runs scored and T-12th with 75 RBI.
  • Ranks T-8th in Oklahoma State history with 53 career home runs from 2024-26, while his 31 HR in 2026 were the second-most in program history, behind only Pete Incaviglia’s 48 HR in 1985.
  • Named a 2026 Golden Spikes Award Semifinalist and to the 2026 ABCA/Rawlings All-America First Team.
  • Selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 19th round of the 2023 MLB Draft but did not sign.
  • Played two seasons in the Cape Cod League from 2024-25.
  • Played baseball, basketball and football at Atoka (Okla.) High School.
  • Son of Shane and Laura Ritchie; has two siblings, Kyleigh and Konner.
  • Nickname is “Ritchie Rich” and favorite athlete is Ken Griffey Jr.

What is next?

Check back at The Cardinal Nation often as player signing information trickles in over the upcoming days.

Earlier article

Cardinals Lead with Trevor Condon on 2026 MLB Draft Day 1

Now available – 2026 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its ninth year. It includes 275 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including over five dozen all-new player scouting reports by Kyle Reis. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book copy today.

All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!

Order The Cardinal Nation’s 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Prospect Guide

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Florida Complex League Cardinals Notebook – 2026 Week 10

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© 2026 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Cardinals Lead with Trevor Condon on 2026 MLB Draft Day 1

photo: Trevor Condon (Lake Point Sports)

On Saturday afternoon July 11th, the St. Louis Cardinals named their first seven selections during Day 1 of the 2026 MLB Draft, encompassing the first four rounds.

The first four rounds of the 20-round 2026 Major League Baseball Draft were held on Saturday afternoon, July 11 in Philadelphia. For the sixth (and perhaps final) year, the draft is 20 rounds and held a month later than traditionally, now as part of MLB’s All-Star Weekend.

Starting Sunday morning July 12th, rounds 5-20 will complete the annual exercise.

The St. Louis Cardinals did not fare well in the draft lottery, with their initial pick 13th overall in the first round. For the rest of the draft, the Cardinals will select eighth based on inverse 2025 won/loss record (though that can change in early rounds due to pick forfeitures by other teams).

The Cardinals gained three additional Day 1 selections, increasing their total to an MLB-high of seven. The first bonus pick is in Competitive Balance Round A, 32nd overall, and is based on market size and revenue.

The other two extra picks were acquired in trade, at 68th and 72nd overall, residing between the second and third rounds. These Competitive Balance Round B selections were awarded to the Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays and came to St. Louis in the Brendan Donovan trade.

The Cardinals have been assigned a pool total of $16,612,300 to cover the signing bonuses for their 13 players selected in the first 10 rounds plus any bonuses greater than $150,000 for draftees selected in rounds 11-20. St. Louis’ pool total is fifth largest in MLB.

The Cardinals organization’s 16 picks in the third through 20th rounds will be made on Sunday, starting at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time.

To reference the Cardinals’ new draft class on an ongoing basis here at The Cardinal Nation, each player will have a profile located on a holding team called “DRAFT UNSIGNED PLAYERS”. This can be accessed at the bottom of the drop-down menu in the red column in the left menu called “ROSTERS/PLAYERS/MOVES” or click here.

St. Louis’ selections – 2026 draft day 1

First round, 13th overall – Trevor Condon, OF

Etowah High School, Georgia
5’11, 175 pounds
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Hometown: Etowah, GA

Trevor Condon

Condon, 18, was a University of Tennessee commit from Georgia, where he was a two-time state champion. Not big in size, the outfielder draws positive comparisons to Cubs all-star Pete Crow-Armstrong due his high motor and multiple tools.

The left-handed hitter’s bat-to-ball skills are lauded as is his ability to get the barrel of his bat on high-end offerings. Power may be his last skill to fully develop.

Condon has elite, plus-plus speed and provides plus a strong arm and standout defense in center field.

Pre-draft, Condon was the 16th-ranked eligible prospect according to Baseball America. MLB Pipeline had him 13th.

The pool amount for this pick is $5,661,300. While a solid choice, this could be a money-saving selection to redeploy on later selections.

Still, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN labeled Condon “the biggest steal of the draft,” believing that the teen can overcome concerns by some about his size, 5-foot-11, 175 pounds.

Following Ryan Mitchell, taken 55th overall in 2025, Condon is the second prep outfielder selected by the organization early in the draft in the last two years.

Update: Condon points from Cardinals Media Relations

  • Is the first high school player selected by the Cardinals in the first round of the MLB Draft since 3B Jordan Walker was taken 21st overall in 2020, and the first high school outfielder selected since Dylan Carlson (33rd overall) in 2016.
  • Was the 2025-26 Georgia Baseball Gatorade Player of the Year after batting .504 with 9 HR, 42 RBI, 17 doubles and 15 stolen bases through his first 36 games.
  • Won two state championships with Etowah (Ga.) High School (2024 & 2026).
  • Named to the 2026 Perfect Game High School All-Region Team for Georgia and was rated as the Best Hitter for Average among Georgia players. Batted .423 with 21 walks in 22 Perfect Game contests in 2025.
  • Named Baseball America Preseason First Team All-American and American Baseball Coaches Association All-American in 2026.
  • Has trained with a track coach, Chris Vernon, since around 12 years old.
  • Committed to play collegiately at the University of Tennessee last November.
  • His sister, Brionna, is a former softball player at South Carolina and Georgia Tech.
  • Signing scout was Brian Moehler.

Competitive Balance Round A, 32nd overall – Tegan Kuhns, P

University of Tennessee, sophomore
6’3, 193 pounds
Bats: Both
Throws: Right
Hometown: Gettysburg, PA

Tegan Kuhns

Kegan Tuhns (University of Tennessee Athletics)

Kuhns, a draft-eligible sophomore, was highly sought after in the 2024 Draft, but reportedly turned down seven-figure inquiries to attend Tennessee.

After a mixed freshman year in 2025, the now-21-year-old broke out in the wood bat Cape Cod League showcase, posting an ERA of 1.35 and striking out over 13 batters per nine innings. Kuhns continued to improve this spring at UT with a 3.56 ERA in 81 innings over 14 starts, with a 31% strikeout rate and 4.7% walk rate.

Kuhns’ fastball is 93-96 mph and tops out at 98-99, but can be hittable if not elevated. He also has a plus curveball but still needs a reliable third offering. Changeup and slider are contenders.

Both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline ranked Kuhns as the no. 25 prospect in this draft class, so his selection at no. 32 overall does not seem unreasonable.

The pool amount for this pick is $3,044,600.

Update: Kuhns points from Cardinals Media Relations

  • Made 15 appearances and 14 starts in 2026, posting a 5-5 record with a 3.56 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, one complete game shutout and 106 strikeouts in 81.0 innings pitched.
  • Earned All-SEC Second Team honors after setting career-highs in wins (5), innings pitched (81.0), and strikeouts (106) during his sophomore season in 2026.
  • Finished the 2026 season ranked 8th in the SEC in ERA (3.56), 3rd in strikeout-to-walk ratio (6.62) and T-2nd in walks per nine innings (1.78).
  • Named to 2026 All-SEC Second Team and Baseball America 2026 Preseason All-American Second Team.
  • 2026 two-time SEC Pitcher of the Week honoree.
  • Represented the United States in the 2023 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup in Taiwan, and pitched in the All-American Game in 2023 during All-Star Week at T-Mobile Park Seattle.
  • Attended Gettysburg (Pa.) Area High School, the same school as Ron Kump, who spent time in the St. Louis minor league system from 1950-54.
  • Joins fellow Cardinals farmhands and former teammates LHP Liam Doyle (5th overall, 2025) & RHP Tanner Franklin (72nd overall, 2025) as recent draftees out of the University of Tennessee.
  • Son of Mike and Melissa Kuhns; has two brothers, Lane and Carson, and two sisters, Elly and Easton.
  • Signing scout is TC Calhoun.

Second round, 50th overall – Rocco Maniscalco – SS

Oxford High School, Alabama
6’2, 192 pounds
Bats: Both
Throws: Right
Hometown: Oxford, AL

Rocco Maniscalco

Rocco Maniscalco (Over-Slot Baseball)

Maniscalco, a Mississippi State commit, reclassified late to enter the 2026 Draft. The Alabama native does not turn 18 years of age until next May.

The Prep All-American shortstop has elite arm strength, hitting 97 mph at the recent MLB Draft Combine, where he was a standout. Maniscalco dropped on draft boards after a rough start to his senior season with the bat but improved as the spring progressed.

Baseball America and MLB Pipeline have a major disagreement about Maniscalco. Pipeline ranked him 49th in this draft class, but BA placed him at no. 100.

The pool amount for this pick is $1,982,700.

Update: Maniscalco points from Cardinals Media Relations

  • Batted .330 with 17 extra-base hits, 39 RBI, 41 walks, and 45 stolen bases in 39 games played this season at Oxford HS.
  • Reclassified as a high school senior for the 2025-26 season and is the youngest draft-eligible player this year at 17.2 years old.
  • Touched 97 mph on a throw from shortstop at the 2026 MLB Draft Combine and hit 21 balls 100 mph or harder.
  • Named First Team All-State in Alabama in 2026 by the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA).
  • Played for Team USA 15U in 2024 as the squad’s third baseman; batted .375 with nine RBI, a home run and two stolen bases.
  • Is the fourth Oxford (Ala.) High School player drafted all-time, including RHP Jackson Stephens, a 2012 Reds selection who played in five MLB seasons from 2017-24.
  • Father, Matt Maniscalco, was a shortstop in the Tampa Bay system from 2003-07 and ran Rocco’s travel ball program.
  • Committed to play collegiately at Mississippi State University in February.
  • Signing scout was Keanan Lamb.

Competitive Balance Round B, 68th overall – Andrew Williamson – OF

University of Central Florida, junior
6’0, 195 pounds
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL

Andrew Williamson

Andrew Williamson (UCF Athletics)

The three-year outfield starter at UCF had a breakout 2025, hitting .315 with 13 home runs. Williamson followed up with a line of  .322/.442/.645/1.087 with 16 home runs and 48 RBI in 2026.

The left-handed hitter also has a positive track record with the wood bat, with good bat speed and some pop to right field, though there are questions about his ability to handle elite breaking stuff.

Williamson possesses an above average arm and can play center field if needed, but likely profiles in the corner.

BA and MLB Pipeline have similar views of Williamson’s draft standing, with BA ranking him 48th, while Pipeline placed him 52nd among eligible players.

The pool amount for this pick is $1,285,500.

Update: Williamson points from Cardinals Media Relations

  • Batted .322/.442/.645 with a team-high 16 HR and 58 runs scored to go with 48 RBI in 55 games during his junior season at Central Florida in 2026.
  • Earned 2026 Second Team All-Big 12 honors and named to the Auburn Regional All-Tournament Team.
  • Ranks 8th in Central Florida program history with 34 career home runs.
  • Named the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Summer League Most Outstanding Hitter and championship series Most Outstanding Player in the summer of 2024.
  • Son of Van Williamson and Trisha Rodriguez; has three siblings. Grandfather, Johnny Rodriguez, previously managed in the Cardinals minor league system from 2010-18.
  • Uncle Sean Rodríguez played Major League Baseball for 15 seasons (2008-2020) for the Angels, Rays, Pirates, Braves, Phillies and Marlins.
  • Plays the drums.
  • Celebrating his 21st birthday today.
  • Signing scout was Josh Lopez.

Competitive Balance Round B, 72nd overall – Dawson Montesa – P

University of West Virginia, junior
6’1, 185 pounds
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Hometown: Glendale, NY

Dawson Montesa

Dawson Montesa (West Virginia University Athletics)

Montesa pitched two seasons at Division II Adelphi, and set the school’s single season record in strikeouts with 105 in 72 1/3 innings.

In 2026 in the Big 12, Montesa posted a 5.38 ERA in 19 appearances including 15 starts. He fanned 92 in 77 innings but walked 44 and yielded 13 home runs.

The right-hander features a fastball at 94-95, topping out at 98 with a curveball in the upper 70’s.

Montesa is young for his class at just age 20 and is considered to be athletic for his position.

MLB Pipeline and Baseball America both had Montesa far outside their Top 100, with Pipeline ranking him 161st and BA at 138th in the draft class. So, this is a money-saving pick for the Cardinals.

The pool amount for this pick is $1,174,300.

Update: Montesa points from Cardinals Media Relations

  • Went 6-5 with a 5.38 ERA in 19 appearances (15 starts) for the West Virginia Mountaineers in 2026 after transferring from Division II Adelphi University in Long Island, N.Y.
  • Is the first Cardinals selection from West Virginia University since JJ Wetherholt was selected 7th overall in 2024.
  • Set the Adelphi University single-season strikeout record in 2025 with 105 strikeouts in 72.1 innings while going 8-1 with a 1.99 ERA in 12 outings (11 starts).
  • Named Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-American First Team and the American Baseball Coaches Association East Region Pitcher of the Year in 2025 at Adelphi.
  • Son of David Testerman and Ruth Montesa; has two brothers, Dylan and Daniel, and has one sister, Debbie.
  • Signing scout was Jim Negrych.

Third round, 86th overall – Caden Ferraro, 1B

Texas Tech University, junior
6’0, 215 pounds
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Hometown: Pacific Palisades, CA

Caden Ferraro

Caden Ferraro (Texas Tech University Athletics)

For the second consecutive draft, the Cardinals selected a college first baseman in the third round, following Jack Gurevitch in 2025. Ferraro was primarily an outfielder at Texas Tech, though the Cardinals announced him as a first sacker.

The left-handed hitter was a national champion as a junior college player at Blinn College before joining the Red Raiders.

With ability to make consistent contact, Ferraro slashed .374/.481/.604/1.085 OPS with eight home runs and 46 RBI for Texas Tech in 2026.

Per BA, Ferraro came in as the no. 112 player in this draft, while MLB Pipeline had him at no. 143, some distance from the 86th overall pick.

The pool amount for this selection is $943,600.

Update: Ferraro points from Cardinals Media Relations

  • Hit .374 with 19 doubles, 8 HR and 46 RBI in 52 games during his junior season at Texas Tech in 2026.
  • Named Second Team All-Big 12 in 2026 at designated hitter.
  • Reached base in 13-straight trips to the plate from March 6-8 to tie the Big 12 conference record for most consecutive trips to the plate reaching base.
  • Posted the 16th-highest average exit velocity (102.3 mph) at the 2026 MLB Draft Combine.
  • Led Blinn (Texas) College to back-to-back NJCAA College World Series Appearances and the 2024 championship.
  • Son of Dana and Andrew Ferraro; has two siblings, Ellie and Brady.
  • Signing scout was Pete Parise.

Fourth round, 114th overall – Dee Kennedy – SS

Kansas State University, junior
5’11, 190 pounds
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX

Dee Kennedy

Dee Kennedy (Patrick Mulligan/Kansas State Athletics)

Kennedy began his college career with a year at Texas before spending the last two seasons at Kansas State. Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline called him the “most improved college player in 2026”, with his dramatic junior year uptick due in part to improved vision following LASIK surgery.

The shortstop was a Cape Cod League All-Star before setting K-State’s single-season home run record with 20 in 2026 and an OPS of 1.194. Plate discipline could improve a bit against off-speed offerings.

Kennedy has solid speed (22-of-26 in steals in 2026) and some arm strength, though some scouts project him as a second baseman eventually. He also has experience at third base.

Taking BA and MLB Pipeline as a reference, Kennedy should have been taken sooner than 114th. He was 79th per Pipeline and 93rd according to BA in this draft class.

The pool amount for this selection is $684,300.

Update: Kennedy points from Cardinals Media Relations

  • Batted .357/.461/.733 with 20 HR, 17 doubles, 69 RBI, 22 SB and a 1.194 OPS across 57 games in 2026 for the Kansas State Wildcats.
  • Set the Kansas State single-season HR record with 20 homers and became the fifth player in Big 12 Conference history to record 20+ home runs and 20+ stolen bases in the same season.
  • Named a 2026 Golden Spikes Award (best college player) and Brooks Wallace Award (best college shortstop) Semifinalist.
  • Played 30 games with 18 RBI and 12 runs scored for Harwich in the 2026 Cape Cod League.
  • Swiped a team-high 12 bases during the 2025 season as a sophomore at Kansas State.
  • Underwent LASIK eye surgery after his sophomore season in 2025.
  • Transferred from the University of Texas after his freshman season in 2024.
  • Played two seasons as a running back at Prestonwood Christian High School (Texas).
  • Signing scout was Dirk Kinney.

What is next?

Check back at The Cardinal Nation for the remainder of Saturday’s selections and return on Sunday for details of Day 2 of the 2026 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Now available – 2026 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its ninth year. It includes 275 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including over five dozen all-new player scouting reports by Kyle Reis. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book copy today.

All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!

Order The Cardinal Nation’s 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Prospect Guide

Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation

Memphis Redbirds Notebook – 2026 Week 15

Not yet a member?

Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.

Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian and The Cardinal Nation on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

© 2026 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Cardinals, Wetherholt Agree on Eight-Year Contract

photo: JJ Wetherholt (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

Per a Friday afternoon report first from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the St. Louis Cardinals have come to terms with rookie second baseman JJ Wetherholt on an eight-year contract.

Subsequent reports have pegged the total value as $112.5 million, comparable to other early-career contracts being given across MLB.

The deal does not include any team or player options, per this report.

In return for significant up-front money and cost certainty, Wetherholt commits to remaining with the Cardinals three years past the normal six-year free agency window.

JJ Wetherholt

Update – St. Louis Cardinals press release

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that the team has agreed to an eight-year contract extension with rookie infielder JJ Wetherholt that will keep the 2024 1st round draft choice in the organization through the 2034 season.

Wetherholt, 23, has excelled in his debut season, beginning with a thrilling Opening Day and carrying that through with All-Star worthy play as a rookie.

“Since joining the Cardinals two years ago, JJ has impressed in every aspect,” said Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom. “He is a dynamic player who produces in every facet of the game, and a true professional who is consistent, prepared, and hard-working. Equally as important, he’s a great teammate who wants to win, and he represents the organization with class both at the field and away from it. We are proud of the person JJ is and the player he continues to become, and are pleased to enter into this commitment with him. JJ is a very important part of what we are building, and we look forward to winning together for many years.”

The lefty hitting Wetherholt, playing as an everyday second baseman and leadoff batter, has produced at a high level with a .267 batting average, 13 home runs, 36 RBI and 9 stolen bases in 87 games played while leading the majors with his steady defensive play where he leads all Major League second sackers in defensive bWAR (1.5), Runs Prevented (12) and Outs Above Average (16).

Wetherholt, who ranks 4th among all National League position players with his 3.9 bWAR, owns the 2nd best runs created total (63) for N.L. second basemen and he has produced 22 hits to lead off a game, the most by a Cardinals rookie since 1985 N.L. Rookie of the Year Vince Coleman collected a franchise rookie-record 44.

JJ has already hit a Cardinals rookie record four lead-off home runs this season and his 27 multi-hit games through the team’s first 92 games are 2nd only to the 32 that Albert Pujols collected in the team’s first 92 games of his 2001 rookie campaign.

Wetherholt’s 13 home runs are the most ever by a Cardinals rookie second baseman and he’s one round-tripper shy of setting the franchise rookie mark for home runs as a lead-off batter.

The Mars, PA native, and West Virginia University alum, was the 7th overall MLB Draft selection in 2024 and was named the Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year and the Texas League (AA) Most Valuable Player in 2025.

Now available – 2026 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its ninth year. It includes 275 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including over five dozen all-new player scouting reports by Kyle Reis. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book copy today.

All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!

Order The Cardinal Nation’s 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Prospect Guide

Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation

Memphis Redbirds Notebook – 2026 Week 15

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© 2026 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Cardinal Nation June 2026 Player of the Month – Brayden Smith

photo: Brayden Smith (Palm Beach Cardinals)

The Cardinal Nation’s choice as the top hitter in the St. Louis Cardinals system during June is Palm Beach infielder/outfielder Brayden Smith, who edged out 11 other finalists. Smith led in wRC+, was second in batting average, on-base percentage and stolen bases and fourth in OPS.

This article details the selection of The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Month. Considered were offensive results during June across the entire St. Louis Cardinals system. The winner as well as a group of runners-up, a.k.a. finalists, are highlighted.

Starting with the usual 60 plate appearances requirement, a total of 52 hitters in the system qualified. There were more strong contenders than usual, with 12 separating themselves with an OPS above .950, including four over 1.000 and four others over 1.100.

In a bit of a surprise, our June selection is Palm Beach infielder/outfielder Brayden Smith.

Demographics

Triple-A Memphis led the finalist list with three, while Double-A Springfield received two finalists from High-A Peoria during the month, doubling their total. Low-A Palm Beach and the Dominican Summer League Cards were represented by two each, with one finalist from the rookie level Florida Complex League.

The finalist position mix is made up of five infielders, three catchers, two outfielders and two infielder/outfielders.

Reminder

Please remember, this is NOT the “Player of the Month Among Top Prospects”. Every player in the system has an equal chance, with only their performance during the month used to differentiate the best of the best. Age and level, which are key prospect considerations, are not factors here, either.

We will take two views of the data. The first look will be basic stats, followed by rate stats. Names are listed in the first table in descending OPS order and in the second, by wRC+, Weighted Runs Created Plus.

Basic stats

June hitter Tm G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS BA OBP SLG OPS
Miguel Hernández FCL 18 73 55 18 18 2 2 4 14 16 17 4 2 0.327 0.493 0.655 1.148
Bligh Madris Mem 22 88 71 20 22 7 0 7 19 16 20 1 1 0.310 0.443 0.704 1.147
Sebastian Rojas DSL 17 79 65 17 25 10 0 3 17 8 10 1 0 0.385 0.456 0.677 1.133
Brayden Smith PB 20 87 73 16 27 4 1 5 14 11 17 10 2 0.370 0.460 0.658 1.117
Tre Richardson III Peo/Spr 20 83 69 23 21 4 0 7 16 13 21 15 0 0.304 0.422 0.667 1.088
Jesús Báez Peo/Spr 17 74 65 16 21 4 0 7 21 5 14 0 0 0.323 0.378 0.708 1.086
Rainiel Rodriguez Spr 21 96 80 22 27 4 0 5 14 14 20 4 2 0.338 0.448 0.575 1.023
Luis Estrella DSL 18 83 69 17 23 2 0 5 21 10 23 0 0 0.333 0.434 0.580 1.013
Joshua Báez Mem 23 103 93 20 27 6 0 10 27 4 27 2 1 0.290 0.320 0.677 0.998
Ryan Campos Spr 20 87 73 16 25 4 0 4 17 11 19 5 1 0.342 0.437 0.562 0.998
Ryan Weingartner PB 22 97 84 21 25 3 0 7 23 12 19 8 2 0.298 0.381 0.583 0.965
César Prieto Mem 20 86 70 14 24 7 0 2 11 11 10 2 0 0.343 0.430 0.529 0.959

In OPS, 18-year-old Miguel Hernandez almost doubled his very meager May output in an outstanding June. In his second month in the US, the infielder edged 30-year-old Bligh Madris of Memphis, 1.148 to 1.147.

Miguel Hernandez

The extra-base hit leaders both came from Triple-A where Joshua Baez led Madris, 16 to 14. In fact, June was Baez’ second consecutive month with 16 XBH.

Sebastian Rojas

A new name to watch, 17-year-old DSL catcher Sebastian Rojas, was tops across the entire Cardinals system in doubles (10).

Baez was first in June home runs, again his second straight month of leadership with 10 long balls. Impressive! Next were Madris and another up-and-comer, Palm Beach infielder Ryan Weingartner, at seven apiece.

Joshua Baez

In slugging, another player coming into his own, infielder Jesus Baez, led the system at .708 and earned a promotion from Peoria to Springfield in the process. Next was Madris at an also strong .704, good enough to lead the organization for most months.

Ten of the 12 finalists hit over .300 in June with Rojas standing highest at .385. Next was Palm Beach infielder/outfielder Brayden Smith at .370.

Nine of the 12 posted an OBP over .400 or better with Joshua Baez (.320) far, far below the others. Hernandez was the leader at .493, with Smith next at .460.

The .300/.400/.500 line was not a high bar in June, with all but three finalists exceeding that target. Joshua Baez and Weingartner missed due to BA and OBP and Jesus Baez fell short in OBP. All 12 slugged over .500.

César Prieto

Only one of the finalists had more walks than strikeouts. Memphis infielder Cesar Prieto at 11-to-10 is a regular in the category, though Hernandez at 16-to-17 was also close.

Baez led the system in June RBIs with 27 (in just 23 games). Jesus Baez and DSL outfielder Luis Estrella are the only others in the organization with more than 20, having driven in 21 each.

Tre Richardson

Another player who moved up to Springfield from Peoria during the month, infielder/outfielder Tre Richardson, stole a perfect 15 bases in 15 attempts. Smith was second among finalists and tied for third in the system with 10 steals (in 12 tries).

Advanced stats

June hitter Tm Age PA BB% K% BB/K ISO BABIP wRC+
Brayden Smith PB 22 87 12.6% 19.5% 0.6 0.288 0.423 193
Bligh Madris Mem 30 88 18.2% 22.7% 0.8 0.394 0.341 188
Miguel Hernández FCL 18 73 21.9% 23.3% 0.9 0.327 0.412 175
Tre Richardson III Peo/Spr 24 83 15.7% 25.3% 0.6 0.362 0.341 167
Rainiel Rodriguez Spr 19 96 14.6% 20.8% 0.7 0.238 0.400 164
Jesús Báez Peo/Spr 21 74 6.8% 18.9% 0.4 0.385 0.304 159
Sebastian Rojas DSL 17 79 10.1% 12.7% 0.8 0.292 0.400 157
Ryan Campos Spr 23 87 12.6% 21.8% 0.6 0.219 0.412 157
Ryan Weingartner PB 21 97 12.4% 19.6% 0.6 0.286 0.305 152
César Prieto Mem 27 86 12.8% 11.6% 1.1 0.186 0.361 141
Joshua Báez Mem 23 103 3.9% 26.2% 0.1 0.387 0.283 139
Luis Estrella DSL 17 83 12.0% 27.7% 0.4 0.246 0.429 136

Four finalists are still teenagers. At 17 years old, DSL players Estrella and Rojas are our youngest finalists. Next is Hernandez at 18 and Double-A catcher Rainiel Rodriguez at 19.

At 30, Madris is the other bookend as our oldest finalist with Prieto next at 27.

Good fortune in the guise of a very high BABIP (.400 or better) benefited half of our finalists. Exceptionally high were Estrella (.429), Smith (.423) and Hernandez and Springfield catcher Ryan Campos (.412 each). At a normal .304/.305 were Jesus Baez and Weingartner with Joshua Baez a tad unlucky at .283.

Hernandez (21.9%), followed by Madris (18.2%), stood highest among the finalists in walk rate.

Bligh Madris

On the less positive side, two finalists, both Baezes, posted a June walk rate under 10%.  Joshua was lowest at 3.9% with Jesus at 6.8%.

Toughest to strike out was Prieto at 11.6%, followed by Rojas (12.7%).

At the high end of the K spectrum, Estrella fanned at a 27.2% rate, with Joshua Baez next at 26.2% and Richardson at 25.3%.

In Isolated Power, ISO, Madris was first at .394, with the Baez boys right behind. Joshua’s ISO was .387 and Jesus’ was .385.

In weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+), Smith was clearly on top at 193 with Madris next at 188. While others had good marks, their wRC+s dropped off from there.

In summary, Smith led in wRC+, was second in batting average, on-base percentage and stolen bases and fourth in OPS. This was not a slam dunk decision, as other finalists also had statistical advantages.

The most significant concern is probably Smith’s very high BABIP, but he was not alone in that concern. Perhaps he won’t be able to repeat with a more reasonable BABIP, but his June results speak for themselves.

Brayden Smith receives the honor of The Cardinal Nation’s May Player of the Month.

About the winner

Brayden Smith

On April 6, 2026, St. Louis dealt 30-year-old lefty Nick Raquet, who had been designated for assignment, to the Baltimore Orioles for High-A corner outfielder/second baseman Smith.

Smith, 22, had been selected by the O’s in the 13th round of the 2025 draft after one season with Oklahoma State. Prior to that, he played for Iowa Western Community College.

As a professional in limited action at Low-A in 2025 and one game at High-A in 2026, the left-handed hitter was 11-for-58 (.190) with 19 strikeouts and 13 walks.

Interestingly, rather than keep Smith at High-A, the Cardinals assigned him to Low-A Palm Beach.

That may have been a good plan, as at the end of May, Smith was sitting right on the Mendoza Line, batting .200 (28-for-140). Just seven of those hits went for extra bases.

Then came June and the tremendous breakout detailed above by Smith, including Florida State League Player of the Week honors for the period of June 23-29.

By the time the 2026 draft class reports later this month and many position players are activated at Palm Beach, Smith seems a good candidate to move up to Peoria.

How did May’s winners do in June?

Then-Peoria outfielder Won-Bin Cho was the May Player of the Month according both The Cardinal Nation and the Cardinals organization. On June 23, the 22-year-old was promoted to Double-A Springfield.

In the Texas League, Cho quickly discovered his power translated to the higher level, with four home runs and 10 RBI in his first seven games. He also has two singles and three walks for an early Double-A line of .240/.321/.720/1.041.

Related article

The Cardinal Nation’s June 2026 Pitcher of the Month – Luis Gastelum

What is next?

The Cardinals organization should name their own selections of May Player and Pitcher of the Month in the upcoming days.

Now available – 2026 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its ninth year. It includes 275 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including over five dozen all-new player scouting reports by Kyle Reis. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book copy today.

All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!

Order The Cardinal Nation’s 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Prospect Guide

Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation

Springfield Cardinals Notebook – 2026 Week 13

Not yet a member?

Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.

Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian and The Cardinal Nation on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

© 2026 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Cardinal Nation’s June 2026 Pitcher of the Month – Luis Gastelum

photo: Luis Gastelum (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

With the lowest ERA, FIP and WHIP, third highest strikeout rate, third lowest walk rate plus second highest strikeout to walk percentage among 11 finalists, Memphis RHR Luis Gastelum compiled the top overall pitching performance in the St. Louis Cardinals system in June.

It is time to select The Cardinal Nation’s June Pitcher of the Month. This article covers hurlers in all roles across every level of the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system.

As a reminder, this is NOT the “Pitcher of the Month Among Top Prospects”. Every player in the system has an equal chance, with their performance during the month used to differentiate the best of the best. Age and level, which are key prospect considerations, are not the major factors here.

Guidelines

To qualify, a pitcher must have thrown at least 10 innings during June. 56 of 108 active pitchers made the first cut. To reach the list of 11 finalists, an ERA below 2.50 was required. This group consists of four starters and seven relievers.

Five finalists, all relievers, allowed no more than one earned run all month resulting in ERAs under 1.00. But one stands alone with a perfect ERA of 0.00. Two others, both starters, had strong ERAs between 1.29 and 1.35. But as always, there is more to our process than just selecting the pitcher with the lowest ERA.

The finalists represent five of the six levels in the system with the only exception being the rookie ball Florida Complex League. Memphis leads the pack with three finalists, with the other four clubs featuring two finalists each. The two-finalist teams include the Dominican Summer League Cards.

Counting Stats

In this first table, the finalists are listed in ascending ERA order.

June pitchers Tm W L ERA G GS SV IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
Luis Gastelum Mem 1 0.00 10 0 1 12.1 5 0 0 0 3 16 0.65
Scott Blewett Mem 0.75 11 0 3 12 14 2 1 0 5 16 1.58
Dylan Driessen PB 0.82 8 0 2 11 8 4 1 0 8 14 1.46
Nelfy Ynfante Spr/PB 1 1 0.82 6 1 11 5 3 1 1 6 9 1.00
Juan Santillán DSL 1 0.84 7 0 1 10.2 4 2 1 1 5 11 0.84
Nate Dohm Peo 1 1.29 4 2 14 11 2 2 1 7 14 1.29
Cade Crossland PB 2 1 1.35 5 4 20 7 4 3 1 18 31 1.25
Beiker Rodríguez DSL 5 1.69 6 0 16 16 8 3 0 3 12 1.19
Bobby Olsen Peo 2 1.74 7 0 1 10.1 7 2 2 1 3 16 0.97
Quinn Mathews Mem 3 2.05 5 5 26.1 8 6 6 4 13 31 0.80
Mason Molina Spr 2 2.45 5 5 29.1 21 10 8 3 5 31 0.89

Working in relief for Memphis, Luis Gastelum is dominating International League hitters and his teammate Scott Blewett also had an impressive month. While being more hittable than Gastelum, Blewitt was the only other qualifying pitcher in the system with an ERA under 1.00.

Cade Crossland

Three pitchers, all starters, tied with a finalist-high 31 strikeouts (and the overall system lead as well). That Cade Crossland accomplished this in just 20 innings (compared to 26 1/3 for Quinn Mathews and 29 1/3 by Mason Molina) really catches one’s eye. However, Crossland’s 18 walks tied for the most in the organization during June.

Palm Beach reliever Dylan Driessen’s 0.82 ERA is his second straight month under 1.00, tied in June by Nelfy Ynfante, who accomplished this pitching up two levels. The latter has since been returned to Palm Beach from Springfield.

Dylan Driessen

Juan Santillan crafted a 0.84 ERA in June as the DSL season was in full swing.

Among starters, Peoria piggybacker Nate Dohm had a major turnaround at 1.29 after a couple of rough months, and despite the walks, Crossland came in at a strong 1.35.

Nate Dohm

The DSL’s Beiker Rodriguez at 1.69 and Peoria’s Bobby Olsen at 1.74 also completed the month with ERAs under 2.00.

The final two finalists had ERAs over 2.00, but they carried a full starters’ workload. They are Mathews and Molina, with the latter having just earned a promotion to join the former in Memphis’ rotation.

Mason Molina

Molina joins Driessen as the only repeat finalists from May.

Juan Santillan

Almost half the finalists, five, logged June WHIPs under 1.00, led by Gastelum at 0.65. The others are Mathews, Santillan, Molina and Olsen.

Advanced stats

Here are additional statistics from the 11 finalists in ascending FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) sequence.

June pitchers Age IP K/BB K% BB% K-BB% BAA BABIP WHIP ERA FIP
Luis Gastelum 24 12.1 5.3 35.6% 6.7% 28.9% 0.122 0.200 0.65 0.00 1.95
Scott Blewett 30 12 3.2 29.1% 9.1% 20.0% 0.280 0.452 1.58 0.75 2.15
Bobby Olsen 24 10.1 5.3 39.0% 7.3% 31.7% 0.184 0.286 0.97 1.74 2.95
Dylan Driessen 21 11 1.8 29.2% 16.7% 12.5% 0.200 0.308 1.46 0.82 3.37
Beiker Rodríguez 19 16 4.0 17.4% 4.3% 13.1% 0.242 0.296 1.19 1.69 3.55
Mason Molina 22 29.1 6.2 27.0% 4.3% 22.7% 0.196 0.247 0.89 2.45 3.67
Cade Crossland 22 20 1.7 37.8% 22.0% 15.8% 0.109 0.188 1.25 1.35 3.98
Nate Dohm 23 14 2.0 23.7% 11.9% 11.8% 0.216 0.278 1.29 1.29 4.56
Nelfy Ynfante 21 11 1.5 18.8% 12.5% 6.3% 0.119 0.125 1.00 0.82 4.88
Quinn Mathews 25 26.1 2.4 31.6% 13.3% 18.3% 0.096 0.085 0.80 2.05 4.90
Juan Santillán 19 10.2 2.2 25.0% 11.4% 13.6% 0.108 0.120 0.84 0.84 5.62

Olsen (39.0%) topped Crossland (37.8%) and Gastelum (35.6%) with exceptional June strikeout rates. At the other end of the strikeout spectrum are Rodriguez (17.4%) and Ynfante (18.8%).

Bobby Olsen

The stingiest finalists in issuing walks are Molina and Rodriguez, both at 4.3%, followed by Gastelum at 6.7%. Below Crossland at 22%, five other finalists issued free passes at a 10% rate or higher.

It is impossible to ignore Molina’s leading strikeout to walk ratio of 6.2, though Gastelum and Olsen at 5.3 are right behind. What makes that the most amazing to me is that Molina’s May mark of 1.6 was the absolute worst among finalists just one month ago.

This month, bringing up the K:BB ratio rear are Ynfante, Crossland and Driessen, all under 2.0.

Subtracting BB percentage from K percentage can be even more telling. Standing far among the others are Olsen (31.7%) and Gastelum (28.9%). Ynfante (6.4%) was deep in the cellar in this measure.

Quinn Mathews

Mathews (.096) is the only finalist to hold opposing hitters to a collective batting average under .100, with Santillan, Crossland, Ynfante and Gastelum at .122 of lower. International League hitters batted a collective .280 against Blewett’s offerings.

Scott Blewett

In Blewett’s defense, he was by far the unluckiest finalist in BABIP (batting average on balls in play) at .452. At the other end were unsustainable low BABIPs below .200 by Santillan, Ynfante and Crossland, but especially Mathews at just .085!

FIP or fielding independent pitching puts these June results into perspective. Every finalist has a FIP over more than one run per nine innings higher than his ERA and many are two or three runs higher.

However, the top two finalists in ERA are also the top two finalists in FIP – Gastelum and Blewett. Further, Gastelum is the only finalist with a sub-2.00 ERA and a sub-2.00 FIP.

Considering all results, Gastelum is our selection of The Cardinal Nation’s June Pitcher of the Month.

Gastelum logged the lowest ERA, FIP and WHIP, third highest strikeout rate, third lowest walk rate plus second highest strikeout to walk percentage among the 11 finalists.

About the winner

Luis Gastelum

Gastelum, 24, is hardly unknown to Cardinals fans, having been named our system-wide Relief Pitcher of the Year in both 2024 and 2025.

Now, the right-hander from Mexico is knocking on the door to the majors. In fact, Gastelum has been hot longer than just during the month of June. Since May 17, he has not allowed a run, earned or unearned, a current streak that includes 16 appearances over 20 1/3 innings. Gastelum struck out 27 against five walks and eight hits.

This season, the change up specialist has worked in a setup role, retiring 25 of 33 first batters faced, stranding 15 of 17 inherited runners and showing no split bias whatsoever (.175 BA vs. lefties and .179 vs. righties).

For the season, Gastelum leads Memphis in wins (7) and ERA (2.45).

He is throwing his four-season fastball a third of the time in 2026 and his ability to make it a dependable big-league offering could go a long way in determining his ceiling.

Gastelum is currently The Cardinal Nation’s 26th ranked prospect.

How last month’s winners fared

The St. Louis Cardinals selected reliever Max Rajcic as their May Pitcher of the Month across the system, whereas our choice was Jacob Odle. The latter had dominated at Low-A Palm Beach for the first two months of the season, and on May 26, the 22-year-old right-hander received a well-deserved promotion to Peoria.

Since joining the Chiefs, Odle made five starts with a 4.09 ERA. His batting average against is a solid .197, but 16 walks and five home runs in 22 innings have worked against him in his early going at the High-A level.

Rajcic had a rough start to the month of June with Memphis, charged with six earned runs in six innings. However, that apparently didn’t matter. On June 18, the 24-year-old received the call to St. Louis. He has since allowed four runs in 6 2/3 innings in his first big-league-stint, which is continuing.

What is next?

Next up, look for The Cardinal Nation’s June Player of the Month article, the companion to this one.

The Cardinals organization should also name their own selections as June Player and Pitcher of the Month in the upcoming days.

Now available – 2026 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its ninth year. It includes 275 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including over five dozen all-new player scouting reports by Kyle Reis. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book copy today.

All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!

Order The Cardinal Nation’s 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Prospect Guide

Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation

Springfield Cardinals Notebook – 2026 Week 13

Not yet a member?

Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.

Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian and The Cardinal Nation on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

© 2026 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Cardinal Nation’s June 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Top 50 Prospect List

photo: Won-Bin Cho (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

The second monthly in-season update of The Cardinal Nation’s 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Top 50 Prospect List is now available. Six players join the new rankings, including the return of Won-Bin Cho. Free article!

For 2026, The Cardinal Nation’s monthly in-season St. Louis Cardinals Top 50 Prospect List process is as follows.

  • Kyle Reis and Brian Walton separately rank the players with the site list a combination of the two.
  • These blended player Top 50 rankings are being made available to everyone each month.

If you want more details including our individual votes and written commentary, they will continue to be exclusive content for subscribers to The Cardinal Nation. So, please join today!

We will also discuss our rankings on our regular “Wednesday With Walton and Reis” podcast.

The process we follow:

  • Independently, Kyle and Brian prepare our top prospect lists
  • All players among the top 65 on both lists are considered
  • The two scores for each player are totaled with the lowest our new no. 1 prospect
  • Ties are broken in favor of the player with the single lowest individual ranking
  • Best of the Rest/Honorable Mentions are the first 10 who fell short of the Top 50

Here are the June results with May also provided as a comparison.

Prospect Tm Pos May June
Rainiel Rodriguez Spr C 1 1
Liam Doyle Spr LHS 2 2
Joshua Baez Mem OF 3 3
Jimmy Crooks StL C 4 4
Quinn Mathews Mem LHS 5 5
Tanner Franklin Peo RHS 6 6
Leonardo Bernal Mem C 7 7
Cooper Hjerpe Spr IL LHS 11 8
Jurrangelo Cijntje Spr SHS 8 9
Brandon Clarke Peo IL LHS 9 10
Tekoah Roby Mem IL RHS 10 11
Ixan Henderson Mem IL LHS 12 12
Braden Davis Spr LHS 20 13
Tai Peete Peo OF 13 14
Mason Molina Spr RHS 18 15
Blaze Jordan StL 1B/3B 19 16
Yhoiker Fajardo Peo RHS 14 17
Brycen Mautz Mem LHS 15 18
Jacob Odle Peo RHS 30 19
Deniel Ortiz Spr IL 1B/3B 16 20
Chen Wei-Lin Spr RHS 17 21
Sebastian Dos Santos PB MIF 39 22
Emanuel Luna DSL OF 27 23
Jesus Baez Peo SS/3B 21 24
Jack Gurevitch Peo 1B 22 25
Luis Gastelum Mem RHR 23 26
Xavier Cruz PB RHR NR 27
Ryan Mitchell PB OF 25 28
Chase Davis Spr IL OF 26 29
Tink Hence Mem RHR 29 30
Cade Winquest Mem IL RHR 28 31
Cade Crossland PB LHS 35 32
Yairo Padilla PB IL SS 36 33
Max Rajcic StL RHR 46 34
Frank Elissalt Peo IL RHS 34 35
Ty Van Dyke Peo RHS 31 36
Won-Bin Cho Peo OF NR 37
Hancel Rincon Mem RHR 24 38
Bryan Torres StL 2B/OF 42 39
Pete Hansen Mem LHS 33 40
Ryan Campos Spr C 49 41
Payton Graham PB RHS BOR 42
Blake Aita Peo RHS 48 43
Brian Holiday PB RHS BOR 44
Ethan Young PB IL RHS 37 45
Miguel Hernandez FCL MIF 43 46
Ramon Mendoza Mem IF 50 47
Tre Richardson Spr 2B NR 48
Cristofer Lebron FCL 3B BOR 49
Travis Honeyman Spr OF 40 50
Best of the Rest Tm Pos May June
Josh Kross Peo 1B/C BOR BOR
Dylan Driessen PB RHR NR BOR
Cesar Prieto Mem IF 38 BOR
Brandt Thompson Spr RHS NR BOR
Noah Mendlinger Spr IF/OF NR BOR
Nate Dohm Peo RHS 32 BOR
Michael Watson Spr LHR 45 BOR
Sebastian Rojas DSL C NR BOR
Jalin Flores Peo SS/3B 44 BOR
Sammy Hernandez Peo C NR BOR

For much more information

Please check out the following article. It details all players coming onto the Top 50, the ones leaving, Kyle’s and Brian’s individual votes and much more! It is exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation.

Cardinals Prospects Behind the Numbers – June 2026

Now 20% off for Father’s Day – 2026 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its ninth year. It includes 275 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including over five dozen all-new player scouting reports by Kyle Reis. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book today.

All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!

Father’s Day Sale on The Cardinal Nation’s 2026 Prospect Guide

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St. Louis Cardinals Major League Notebook – June 8–14

photo: Ivan Herrera (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

On the road, the St. Louis Cardinals went 3-3 for the week as the bullpen stumbled in three one-run defeats. Ivan Herrera led the offense with a 1.396 OPS for the period. Our history feature revisits MLB debuts during this past week in team history.

Game Recaps

Monday, June 8, 2026 – Off day

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 – Cardinals 7 at Mets 0

The St. Louis Cardinals blanked the New York Mets by a 7-0 score at Citi Field on Tuesday. Starter Dustin May pitched six scoreless innings, allowed four hits, walked one and fanned six to earn his fourth win.

Dustin May

Justin Bruihl relieved May and threw two scoreless innings. Matt Svanson tossed a scoreless ninth.

The Cardinals went up 4-0 in the third inning. Nolan Gorman walked. Nathan Church doubled. JJ Wetherholt singled to score Gorman and Church. Iván Herrera was hit by a pitch. Jordan Walker doubled to plate Wetherholt. Herrera came home on a ground out by Lars Nootbaar.

St. Louis added two runs in the fifth on a two-run home run by Alec Burleson. They made it 7-0 in the seventh as Herrera doubled and was plated on a double by Burleson.

The Cardinals scored seven runs on 10 hits. Burleson was 2-for-5 with three RBI. Herrera was 3-for-5 with three runs scored. Church was 3-for-4. Wetherholt drove in two.

Jimmy Crooks had a passed ball.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 – Cardinals 9 at Mets 2

The Cardinals defeated the Mets by the score of 9-2 on Wednesday at Citi Field. Starter Andre Pallante pitched six innings, gave up two runs on three hits, walked two and fanned five to earn his seventh win.

Andre Pallante

Matt Svanson relieved Pallante and threw two scoreless innings. JoJo Romero tossed a scoreless ninth.

The Cardinals went ahead 2-0 in the first inning. JJ Wetherholt singled. Iván Herrera walked. Jordan Walker plated Wetherholt on a single. Lars Nootbaar walked. Herrera came home on a force out by Masyn Winn.

St. Louis added two runs in the third to lead 4-0. Winn walked and Nelson Velázquez followed with a two-run home run.

Nelson Velázquez

The Cardinals extended their lead to 7-0 in the fourth. Wetherholt singled. Herrera walked. Walker hit a three-run home run.

Jordan Walker

The Mets scored twice in the home fourth.

St. Louis answered with a run in the fifth to increase the lead to 8-2. Winn singled but was out at second on a force out by Nathan Church. Church advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on a single by José Fermín.

The Cardinals added a final run in the ninth on a solo home run by Alec Burleson.

The offense scored nine runs on 11 hits. Walker was 2-for-5 with four RBI. Wetherholt was 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Velázquez had two RBI. Herrera scored two runs.

Winn stole his sixth base of the season.

Thursday, June 11, 2026 – Cardinals 4 at Mets 5

The Cardinals were edged by the Mets by a 5-4 score at Citi Field on Thursday. Spot starter Hunter Dobbins pitched 4 1/3 innings, gave up three runs on seven hits and fanned five.

Justin Bruihl relieved Dobbins and surrendered one run in 1/3 of an inning. George Soriano threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. JoJo Romero yielded one run in 1 1/3 innings and took the loss. Gordon Graceffo tossed the final scoreless 2/3 of an inning.

The Cardinals took the lead in the top of the first inning on a solo home run by Alec Burleson. The Mets answered with three runs in the home first.

St. Louis regained the lead 4-3 with a three-run second inning. Lars Nootbaar thumped a solo home run. Masyn Winn doubled and Jimmy Crooks followed with a two-run home run.

Jimmy Crooks

New York tied the game in the fifth and went ahead 5-4 in the seventh.

The Cardinals scored four runs on seven hits. Nootbaar was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Crooks had two RBI.

Friday, June 12, 2026 – Cardinals 8 at Twins 9

The Cardinals took a one run loss in the first of a three-game series against the Twins at Target Field on Friday. Starter Kyle Leahy pitched five innings, gave up four runs on eight hits, walked one and fanned five.

George Soriano relieved Leahy and threw a scoreless sixth. Gordon Graceffo surrendered two runs in 2/3 of an inning. Ryne Stanek relinquished three runs in the final 1 1/3 innings and took the loss.

The Cardinals took a quick lead in the top of the first on a solo home run by Alec Burleson. The Twins answered with one run in the bottom of the inning to tie the game.

St. Louis added two runs in the second to take the lead 3-1. Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn singled. Blaze Jordan singled to score Nootbaar. JJ Wetherholt plated Winn on a single.

Minnesota scored one run in the fifth and two in the sixth to go ahead 4-3.

In the top of the seventh, the Cardinals plated four runs to retake the lead at 7-4. Jimmy Crooks and JJ Wetherholt walked. Iván Herrera singled. Burleson walked to force in a run. Jordan Walker cleared the bases with a double.

The Twins responded with three runs in the home seventh to re-tie the game at 7-7. In the top of the eighth, the Cardinals broke the tie with a run to make it 8-7. Crooks singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Bryan Torres pinch ran. Blaze Jordan singled. José Fermín singled to score Torres.

The Twins plated two runs against Stanek in the home eighth to take the lead 9-8 and win the game.

The Cardinals scored eight runs on 12 hits. Wetherholt and Jordan were both 2-for-4 with an RBI. Herrera was 2-for-5. Burleson drove in two and scored two runs. Walker had three RBI.

Herrera stole his third base of the season. Nootbaar had an outfield assist at third base.

Saturday, June 13, 2026 – Cardinals 9 at Twins 6

The Cardinals beat the Twins in the second game of the series by a 9-6 score on Saturday. Starter Matthew Liberatore pitched 4 1/3 innings, gave up four runs on five hits, walked one and fanned four.

Matt Svanson relieved Liberatore and threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. Ryne Stanek hurled a scoreless seventh. Chris Roycroft surrendered one run in 1/3 of an inning. JoJo Romero pitched 2/3 of a scoreless inning. Riley O’Brien allowed one run in the ninth.

The Cardinals opened scoring in the top of the first inning on a two-run home run by Iván Herrera. They added two runs in the second. Blaze Jordan tripled and scored on a double by Pedro Pagés. Pagés later came home on a sac fly by Masyn Winn.

The Twins scored two runs in the fourth and two in the fifth to tie the game. In the seventh, St. Louis put up five runs to go ahead 9-4. Herrera and Jordan Walker hit back to back solo home runs. Lars Nootbaar singled. Alec Burleson singled. Jordan blasted a three-run home run.

Blaze Jordan

Minnesota scored one run in the eighth and one in the ninth for the final score of 9-6.

St. Louis’ offense scored nine runs on 13 hits. Herrera was 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored. Jordan was 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Pagés was 3-for-4 with an RBI.

Sunday, June 14, 2026 – Cardinals 4 at Twins 5

The Cardinals fell to the Twins in the finale of the three-game weekend series. Starter Michael McGreevy pitched six innings, gave up two runs on seven hits, walked two and struck out two.

Michael McGreevy

JoJo Romero relieved McGreevy and surrendered two runs in 1/3 of an inning. George Soriano yielded one run in 1 2/3 innings and took the loss.

The Cardinals took the lead in the top of the fourth inning on a solo home run by Alec Burleson. The Twins answered with two runs in the home half of the inning to go ahead 2-1.

In the sixth, St. Louis scored two runs on a home run by JJ Wetherholt to regain the lead 3-2. They added a fourth run in the top of the seventh to extend the lead to 4-2. José Fermín and Nathan Church singled. Wetherholt singled to plate Fermín.

Minnesota responded with two runs in the home seventh to tie the game. The Twins took the lead for good at 5-4 in the eighth.

St. Louis’ offense scored four runs on seven hits. Wetherholt was 2-for-5 with three RBI. Nathan Church was 2-for-3.

Iván Herrera stole his fourth base of the season.

The Big Picture

The Cardinals went 3-3 on the week, taking two of three from the Mets, and losing two of three at the Twins. The team remains in second place in the NL Central, five games back of the Brewers, and 2.5 games ahead of the Cubs.

The Cards currently hold the first NL Wild Card spot, a game ahead of the Phillies, and 1.5 games ahead of the Padres, the team the Cardinals begin a series with on Monday in St. Louis. It is way too early for any of the current standings to matter a lot, however.

What does matter is that the Cardinals were not considered to be a playoff caliber team when the season started. Moreover, the consensus is that while the offense is playing well and can continue to do so, the pitching is not good enough to sustain the run they are on. It is hard to argue with that assessment.

Iván Herrera

Speaking of the offense, the top performers for the week by OPS were Pedro Pagés (2.000 in 4 ABs), Iván Herrera (1.396), Blaze Jordan (1.250), and Alec Burleson (1.138). At the bottom are Nolan Gorman (.286) and Masyn Winn (.398).

Gorman was optioned to Memphis and was replaced on the roster by Blaze Jordan. Jordan has started with a bang, which is not uncommon. Whether he can sustain that level of performance is the question mark. Gorman was given considerable time to show he could perform at an acceptable level and he did not. His main issue is a high strikeout rate, something which has been an issue with him for some time. The hope is that the coaching staff in the minor leagues can help him improve in that area.

For the pitching, Dustin May, Michael McGreevy, and Andre Pallante all had ERAs under 4.00 for the week. Kyle Leahy (7.20) has not been able to sustain a short spurt of success and Matthew Liberatore (8.31) has struggled over the last few starts.

While the starting pitching situation is not the best, the bullpen has been the consistent area of concern since the season started. Following a short period of improvement in recent weeks, the bullpen has returned to its previous level of ineffectiveness, a regression to the mean, if you will.

While the rotation has been able to keep the offense in the game for the most part, it is the bullpen’s inability to hold on to a lead that has been the predominant obstacle to the team’s success. The offense cannot sustain a playoff run by itself over the long term, no matter how good it may be.

The Cardinals return to St. Louis for a three-game series with the Padres, then leave again to play the Royals in Kansas City to end the week.

Stay tuned as the season progresses.

NL Central Standings

Team W L Pct GB
Milwaukee 43 26 0.623
St. Louis 38 31 0.551 5
Chicago 37 35 0.514 7.5
Pittsburgh 36 36 0.500 8.5
Cincinnati 33 37 0.471 10.5

Trade and Acquisition Rumors

There are no trade or acquisition rumors to report.

Transactions

  • 6/8 The Cardinals optioned CF Victor Scott to the Memphis Redbirds.
  • 6/9 The Cardinals activated LF Natan Church from the 10-day injured list.
  • 6/12 The Cardinals selected the contract of 1B/3B Blaze Jordan from the Memphis Redbirds.
  • 6/12 The Cardinals optioned 3B Nolan Gorman to the Memphis Redbirds.
  • 6/12 The Cardinals recalled RHP Chris Roycroft from the Memphis Redbirds.
  • 6/12 The Cardinals optioned RHP Hunter Dobbins to the Memphis Redbirds.
  • 6/12 The Cardinals moved 3B Ramón Urías to the 60-day injured list. Lateral elbow epicondylitis.

Injury Report

  • 3B Ramón Urías was placed on the 60-day injured list on June 12. He has elbow lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) in both elbows.
  • LF Nathan Church was activated from the 10-day injured list.
  • RHP Ryan Fernandez was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 5 with low back pain. Fernandez has received an injection.

Looking Ahead

Following the Twins series, the Cardinals briefly return home for three games with the Padres through Wednesday, June 17. They then travel across the state to face the Royals in three games on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

The last homestand of June begins on Monday, June 22 with four games against the Arizona Diamondbacks, followed by a weekend set with the Marlins.

The Cardinals go on the road to play the Braves in a three-game series beginning Tuesday, June 30. The road trip ends in Chicago at Wrigley Field for a weekend set with the Cubs.

The team returns home for a seven-game homestand before the All-Star break. They play four with the Brewers, followed by a weekend series with the Braves.

Blast from the Past

Several debuts of Cardinals minor league players on the major league team have occurred in recent weeks. The most recent is 1B/3B Blaze Jordan, who was acquired in a trade with the Boston Red Sox at the 2025 deadline for pitcher Steven Matz.

Prior to Jordan’s debut, LHP Brycen Mautz and utility player Bryan Torres debuted, with more likely to come.

This week’s Blast from the Past brings back a topic from the previous year which chronicled the major league debuts of notable Cardinal players from the past and present during a relevant period. For this installment, we look at major league debuts of Cardinals from June 8 through June 14 in past years.

The following is a list of players who made their major league debuts during the period noted, with the date of the debut and how that player performed in his debut game, or subsequent games when the player had his first hit, or first strikeout in the case of a pitcher.

  • Skip Schiumaker (St. Louis Cardinals)

    Skip Schumaker – Schumaker debuted on June 8, 2005, in a 4-0 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Busch Stadium II. Schumaker pinch hit for pitcher Chris Carpenter in the bottom of the sixth and struck out swinging. His next game was on June 13 against the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. Schumaker started in center field, hit ninth and went 0-for-3. He did not get his first hit until his sixth game, on August 12. In a 4-1 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Schumaker’s pinch hit RBI single in the ninth inning generated St. Louis’ only run of the game. Skip is currently the manager of the Texas Rangers.

  • Tommy Edman (Jasen Vinlove/Imagn)

    Tommy Edman – Edman debuted on June 8, 2019, in a 9-4 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Edman pinch hit for Ryan Helsley in the ninth inning and struck out swinging. Edman’s first hit occurred on June 14 in a 9-5 win over the Mets at Citi Field. Edman started the game at second base, hit eighth and doubled to center field in the top of the third inning. In 2026, Edman has not yet played for the Dodgers while recovering from an injury.

  • Joe Kelly (USA TODAY Sports Images)

    Joe Kelly – Kelly, a right-handed pitcher, debuted as a starter on June 10, 2012, in a 4-1 loss to Cleveland at Busch Stadium III. Kelly pitched five innings, gave up one run on seven hits, walked one and fanned four. His first strikeout victim was Carlos Santana in the first inning. It was a strikeout swinging. After a long stint with the Dodgers, Kelly is now retired as a player.

  • Andre Granillo – Granillo, a relief pitcher, made his debut on June 12, 2025, in a 6-0 loss the Brewers at American Family Field. Granillo pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings. Granillo struck out his first batter a week later in the second game of a doubleheader on June 19 against the Chicago White Sox, an 8-6 win at Guaranteed Rate Field. He appeared in the 10th inning in relief of JoJo Romero and struck out the final batter he faced, Austin Slater. Granillo was traded to the Washington Nationals in early 2026 for George Soriano.

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Cardinals Promote Jordan and Roycroft; Demote Gorman and Dobbins

photo: Blaze Jordan (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

The St. Louis Cardinals selected the contract of rookie corner infielder Blaze Jordan and recalled right-handed relief pitcher Chris Roycroft from Memphis. Infielder Nolan Gorman and right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins were optioned to Memphis. Ramon Urias was moved to the 60-day IL.

Memphis Redbirds release

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today (Friday, June 12) that the team has selected the contract of rookie corner infielder Blaze Jordan from Memphis (AAA) and recalled right-handed pitcher Chris Roycroft from Memphis (AAA). Infielder Nolan Gorman and right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins were optioned to (AAA) following yesterday’s game. Infielder Ramón Urías (right elbow) has been transferred from the 10-day Injured List to the 60-day Injured List.

Blaze Jordan

The 23-year-old Jordan, who the Cardinals acquired from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for pitcher Steven Matz at last year’s trade deadline, has put together a strong start at Memphis where he was slashing .313/.373/.548 with a .921 OPS, 11 HR & 35 RBI in 57 games played.

The 6-0, 235-pound Southaven, Miss. native co-leads all Triple-A players with 19 doubles, ranks 8th with 126 total bases and 8th in hits with 72. Jordan, who bats right-handed, was leading the Memphis team with his .313 BA that ranks 9th in the International League. Blaze shared Cardinals Minor League Co-Player of the Month honors for April with Palm Beach (A) infielder Jack Gurevitch.

Over the course of his professional career Jordan has compiled a .286 batting average with 73 HR & 375 RBI in 545 games played since debuting in 2021 following his draft selection by Boston in the 3rd round (89th player overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft out of DeSoto Central (MS) High School.

Jordan has played 262 career games at third base and 228 at first base, including 28 at the hot corner this season and 18 at the initial sack.

Jordan, who will wear uniform no. 33, is poised to become the fifth Cardinals player to debut this season, joining JJ Wetherholt, Matt Pushard, Bryan Torres and Brycen Mautz. The lone Cardinals player to debut in Minneapolis was Chris Richard on July 17, 2000, and he homered on the very 1st pitch he ever saw. That game was played at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

Currently there is just one player with the given name of Blaze (Blaze Alexander-BAL) to have played in the Majors.

Brian Walton’s take

Nolan Gorman

Gorman was given 62 games this season to show progress toward returning to his 2022 and 2023 performance, but it wasn’t happening. The third baseman slashed .194/.279/.318/.598 with a 32.3% strikeout rate. Jordan is in St. Louis’ starting lineup Friday night at the hot corner.

Chris Roycroft

Roycroft opened the season with St. Louis but was sent down on April 6 after allowing five runs in 3 2/3 innings. With Memphis, the right-hander has a 5.84 ERA in 24 2/3 innings.

Hunter Dobbins

Based on two very good long relief appearances last week (one run in 8 2/3 innings), Dobbins was given a spot start to conclude the Mets series on Wednesday. The right-hander was disappointing, allowing two home runs for three scores in the first inning. He will return to the Memphis rotation until the next time St. Louis needs a fill in.

Ramón Urías

Urias suffered tennis elbow in both arms and had to abort a rehab outing due to returning discomfort. The infielder’s 40-man roster spot was used for Jordan. Urias will not be eligible to return until early July.

For roster and player information

The team rosters here at The Cardinal Nation are kept up to date daily. To access them, click on “ROSTERS/PLAYERS/MOVES” located on the red menu bar on the left of the page beneath The Cardinal Nation site logo.

To see the Cardinals’ entire system by level and position on one page along with every player transaction for every club all year long, check out the always current Roster Matrix at The Cardinal Nation. It is kept updated daily and is accessible from the same menu as team rosters.

Now available – 2026 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its ninth year. It includes 275 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including over five dozen all-new player scouting reports by Kyle Reis. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book today.

All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!

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