All posts by Brian Walton

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

Reports: Cardinals, Dustin May Agree to Terms

photo: Dustin May (Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports)

The St. Louis Cardinals are signing right-handed pitcher Dustin May to a one-year contract with a 2027 mutual option, as first reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN late Saturday afternoon.

His salary has not yet been disclosed, but this article will be updated when it is made available. As noted above, the Cardinals have not yet made their formal announcement.

May, 28, has been in professional ball for 10 years, after being drafted from a Texas high school by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round in 2016. He signed for just short of $1 million.

Dustin May

Then the Dodgers’ top prospect and ranked in the Top 20 nationally, May made his MLB debut in 2019, making four starts and 10 relief appearances. His ERA was 3.63.

When ace Clayton Kershaw could not make his 2020 Opening Day start due to injury, May stepped in and went on to pick up the win. Hopes were high as he posted a 2.57 ERA in 10 starts and two pen outings. In his rookie year, May threw 56 innings, striking out 44 against 16 walks. He also starred in the first two rounds of the postseason, with a 2.34 in three starts, but yielded three runs in relief in the World Series. May finished fifth in the National League Rookie of the Year balloting.

After May made five starts in 2021, the injury bug arrived. He required Tommy John surgery and did not return until late August 2022.

Eight strong starts into the 2023 season, the 6-foot-6 righty again required surgery, this time to his flexor tendon. He also missed all of 2024 as he suffered a torn esophagus during his rehab.

Back at full strength to open 2025, May returned to the Dodgers’ rotation. At the end of July, May had already set a career high in innings with 104 while going 6-7 with a 4.85 ERA in 19 appearances.

At the deadline, the Red Sox acquired May in trade for two outfield prospects. However, the change in scenery did not work out. With a 5.40 ERA in 28 1/3 innings over six games, May again landed on the injured list on September 6, this time with elbow neuritis. He missed the rest of the regular season and playoffs.

2025 was May’s fifth consecutive season with significant time missed.

May features a fastball in the mid to upper-90s and a plus sinker as his primary offerings. His career strikeout rate is 8.3 per nine with a walk rate of 3.1 per nine.

If May is ready to answer the bell for the Cardinals, there are rotation spots for the taking. However, expecting 180 innings and 30 starts from him, when he has never done either in his six-year MLB career, would be highly risky.

When the trade is final, the Cardinals will need to clear a 40-man roster spot for May.

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 during the offseason and is accessible from the same menu as team rosters.

Now 20% off – 2025 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its eighth year. It includes 256 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including dozens of all-new player scouting reports. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book copy today, with the latter on closeout for 20% off!

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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TCN 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Prospect #24 – Nate Dohm

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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.

© 2025 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Cardinals Claim Right-Handed Reliever Zak Kent off Waivers

photo: Zak Kent (USA TODAY Sports)

On Friday afternoon, December 5, the St. Louis Cardinals announced they claimed right-handed relief pitcher Zak Kent off outright waivers from the Cleveland Guardians.

I don’t know what the vernacular is for Cleveland’s version of the I-55 Shuttle, but whatever it is, Kent was a regular last season. His transaction log at MiLB.com indicates that the 27-year-old was optioned to Triple-A at least six times during the 2025 season.

Even so, the Virginia native appeared in just 12 games for the Guardians, posting a 4.58 ERA in 17 2/3 innings. Kent struck out 16 but walked eight (4.1 BB per nine innings pitched).

The rest of 2025, the slider specialist was with Triple-A Columbus, posting a 2.84 ERA in 38 innings over 34 games. He fanned 50 but issued 21 free passes, a rate of 5.0 walks per nine innings. So walks are clearly an issue. His fastball averages a pedestrian 92.6 mph. He also has a sinker and a curveball.

Zak Kent

Kent was originally Texas’ ninth-round pick in the 2019 draft from Virginia Military Institute (VMI). He moved up through the Rangers system and first reached Triple-A in 2022, but he then missed most of 2023 due to an oblique strain.

At the end of spring training 2024, the Rangers traded Kent to the Cleveland Guardians in return for international bonus pool space.

After pitching in Triple-A, Kent was designated for assignment, cleared waivers and was released in early July 2024. He re-signed with the same organization a few days later and finished the season in Triple-A.

Kent pitched in the Arizona Fall League twice, for the Rangers in 2023 and the Guardians in 2024.

To open 2025, Kent came to Cleveland’s camp as a non-roster invitee. On April 21, he received his 40-man spot back and joined the Guardians for the first time. The right-hander made his MLB debut two days later.

Kent will not be riding the Triple-A shuttle for the Cardinals, though, unless he is later removed from the 40-man and clears waivers. The reason is that he first joined the Rangers’ 40-man roster in late 2022 to be protected from the Rule 5 Draft. In the meantime, he has exhausted all three of his minor league options.

However, Kent may be eligible for a fourth minor league option, reports Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch. If so, the right-hander would be far more useful to the 2026 Cardinals, a team with open jobs in its bullpen.

Otherwise, Kent would need to make St. Louis’ 26-man roster out of spring camp or it would not be guaranteed that he would be around much longer.

With this move and heading into the Rule 5 Draft next Wednesday, December 10, the Cardinals have just one open spot on their 40-man roster.

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 during the offseason and is accessible from the same menu as team rosters.

Now 20% off – 2025 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its eighth year. It includes 256 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including dozens of all-new player scouting reports. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book copy today, with the latter on closeout for 20% off!

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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TCN 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Prospect #32 – Pete Hansen

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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.

© 2025 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Cardinals Finalize 2026 Major League Coaches

photo: Alec Burleson, Chris Conroy, Casey Chenoweth, Brandon Allen

The St. Louis Cardinals have set their 2026 coaching staff under manager Oliver Marmol with two major changes. Casey Chenoweth is promoted from the minor leagues and Kyle Driscoll is a new hire. Both are assistant coaches.

St. Louis Cardinals release

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today (Wednesday, November 26) that they have finalized their Major League coaching staff for the upcoming 2026 season.

The following coaches will be returning to Manager Oliver Marmol’s staff:

  • Daniel Descalso – Bench Coach (3rd season on Cardinals coaching staff)
  • Dusty Blake – Pitching Coach (6th season on Cardinals coaching staff)
  • Brant Brown – Hitting Coach (2nd season on Cardinals coaching staff)
  • Stubby Clapp – 1st Base Coach (8th season on Cardinals coaching staff)
  • Ron “Pop” Warner – 3rd Base Coach (9th season on Cardinals coaching staff)
  • Jon Jay – Outfield, Baserunning & Quality Control Coach (2nd season on Cardinals coaching staff)
  • Brandon Allen – Assistant Hitting Coach (4th season on Cardinals coaching staff)
  • Julio Rangel – Assistant Pitching/Bullpen Coach (4th season on Cardinals coaching staff)
  • Jamie Pogue – Asst. Coach/Bullpen Coach
  • Kleininger “KT” Teran – Bullpen Catcher

In addition, the team announced the following new coaching staff members:

  • Casey Chenoweth – Assistant Hitting Coach
  • Kyle Driscoll – Assistant Pitching Coach
Casey Chenoweth (P.J. Maigi/Springfield Cardinals)

Chenoweth served as the Hitting Coach for Springfield (AA) last season, his 3rd season in the Cardinals organization.  He has prior coaching experience in both the Arizona and San Francisco farm systems and has certifications with Driveline, Marucci Bat Performance, OnBase and Rapsodo.

Driscoll, who pitched for Rutgers University, served as the Arizona Diamondbacks Minor League Pitching Coordinator last season. He served as Pitching Coach for the Mets triple-A Syracuse team in 2023 and previously was a strength & conditioning coach and pitching coordinator with Cressey Sports Performance.

Patrick “Packy” Elkins has taken on a new role as Offense Strategist, as has Dean Kiekhefer who will now serve as Pitching Strategist.   Chad Blair, a member of the team since 1996, returns as Major League Video Coordinator along with returning MLB Analyst Matthew Bennett and Major League Video & Technology Specialist Noah Landow.

Brian Walton’s take

One promotion from within and another voice from the outside provide a nice balance. Kyle Driscoll replaces Dean Kiekhefer, working under Pitching Coach Dusty Blake.

Last year, Packy Elkins was the Run Creation Coach. Casey Chenoweth, who is bilingual, becomes the second assistant hitting coach alongside Brandon Allen under the leadership of Hitting Coach Brant Brown. Chenoweth’s replacement at Springfield has not been announced.

A prominent name missing from the announcement is Yadier Molina, who has expressed an interest in coaching or managing, but apparently hasn’t found a fit.

Now 20% off – 2025 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its eighth year. It includes 256 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including dozens of all-new player scouting reports. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book copy today, with the latter on closeout for 20% off!

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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TCN 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Prospect #41 – Randel Clemente

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© 2025 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Cardinals Deal Sonny Gray to Red Sox for Two Pitchers

photo: Brandon Clarke (Greenville Drive)

As they unload salary, the St. Louis Cardinals traded ace starting pitcher Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox for pitchers Richard Fitts and Brandon Clarke. Cash considerations are also included.

St. Louis Cardinals release

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have completed a multi-player trade with the Boston Red Sox, acquiring pitchers Richard Fitts and Brandon Clarke, and a player to be named later or cash considerations, in exchange for pitcher Sonny Gray and cash considerations.

Sonny Gray

“We are pleased to add these two talented young pitchers to our organization,” stated Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom.  “Richard Fitts has already begun his big league career, and with his power stuff and willingness to attack the strike zone, he has the ability to start games at the highest level for many years.  Brandon Clarke is an exciting left-handed prospect whose ceiling rivals that of any pitcher in the minor leagues. Both have the potential to be part of our growing core for a long time, and we are happy to welcome them to the Cardinals.”

Richard Fitts

Fitts, 25, is a 6-3, 245-pound right-hander who has made 15 appearances (14 starts) for the Red Sox over the past two seasons, going 2-5 with a 3.97 ERA over 65.2 innings pitched.  He allowed 3 runs or fewer in 11 of his 14 career starts for the Red Sox and worked 5.0+ innings in eight starts.  Fitts matched his career-high with 6 strikeouts in a 4.0 inning relief outing on Aug. 25, 2025 at Baltimore.

A former 6th round draft choice of the New York Yankees in 2021 out of Auburn University, Fitts was traded to the Red Sox in December of 2023. He has logged 80 games in the minors including 30 with Triple-A Worcester where he went 11-6 with a 4.13 ERA.

Fitts entered the 2025 season ranked as the Red Sox 12th best prospect by Baseball America and was listed as having the “best control” among pitchers in the Boston farm system.

Brandon Clarke

Clarke, 22, was a Red Sox 5th round draft pick in 2024 and made 14 professional starts in 2025 between Greenville (High-A) and Salem (A), striking out 60 over his 38.0 innings pitched. The 6-4, 220-pound left-hander pitched for State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota and is a native of Ashburn, VA. Clarke is currently ranked as the 5th best prospect in the Red Sox system by MLB Pipeline.

Brian Walton’s take

The Cardinals reportedly included $20 million to help offset Gray’s backloaded contract. With St. Louis, he was to receive $35 million in 2026 plus a $5 million buyout on a $30 million team option for 2027. The Red Sox reworked his contract, giving him an extra million in 2026 and a $10 million mutual buyout for 2027. That guarantees the right-hander $41 million this coming season and a likely reentry to the free agent market in the fall.

Chaim Bloom in media Zoom meeting, 11/25/25

In a Zoom meeting with media on Tuesday afternoon, President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom noted the Cardinals “prefer not to have to put cash in deals” but he had “ownership’s backing.” Bloom also acknowledged that the money sent with Gray “does eat into resources available.”

Despite Cardinals’ ongoing need for starting pitching, only increased by this trade, Bloom did not pencil Fitts’ name into the rotation. Still, it seems obvious that will happen, albeit not as a no. 1 like Gray.

Bloom said his club is getting a pitcher “quick to compete for a big league rotation spot”. He complimented the right-hander for having a “long runway” and with “upside that is incredible”. Fitts features a mid-90s fastball averaging 95.4 mph.

Asked about Fitts’ nerve issue (right arm neuritis related to the biceps and the surrounding nerves, not the elbow ligament) which surfaced late in 2025, Bloom was optimistic. “He is back throwing and will have a normal offseason,” the POBO said. “He will be ready to compete for a rotation spot in the spring.”

Still, the POBO acknowledged that the Cardinals “want to have rotation depth,” which they certainly did not create in this trade. While liking “the upside of the guys we have,” Bloom said he “hopes to add more guys that will help the rotation” this offseason.

That will not include Clarke, at least for several years, as he is still in Class-A. Bloom heaped on the praise, saying “his pure talent and extension is up there with anyone in the minors.”

The POBO cited Clarke’s challenges as “health, consistency and command,” and said these are “not all in place yet.”

Bloom acknowledged Clarke’s past trouble with blisters, which he called “a by-product of the unique things he can do on the mound.” The Cardinals will “put a comprehensive plan in place” with the lefty to address these challenges.

Clarke throws his four-seamer in the mid-to-high-90s, touching 99 mph. Recently added to his changeup and curveball are a cutter and a sweeper. In his initial professional season, Clarke struck out 14.2 batters per nine innings, but he walked 6.4 per nine.

Fangraphs currently ranks Clarke their no. 86 prospect in minor league baseball. That is four spots below Quinn Mathews and one spot above Tink Hence. He is not in the national top 100s of Baseball America and MLB Pipeline.

Clarke has been initially assigned to High-A Peoria, which makes sense given his meager 38 career innings to date.

In my view, Clarke’s upside is the wild card for the Cardinals in this trade. High risk and high ceiling.

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 during the offseason and is accessible from the same menu as team rosters.

Now 20% off – 2025 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its eighth year. It includes 256 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including dozens of all-new player scouting reports. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book copy today, with the latter on closeout for 20% off!

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 2025 St. Louis Cardinals Prospect Guide

Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation

TCN 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Prospect #42 – Miguel Hernandez

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If you enjoyed this article, please consider joining The Cardinal Nation to receive the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system, including access to every article in our 2026 Top Cardinals Prospects series.

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

© 2025 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Pozo, Robberse Return, Blewitt Signs With Cardinals

photo: Yohel Pozo (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

Two former St. Louis Cardinals return to the organization for 2026, catcher Yohel Pozo and pitcher Sem Robberse, joined by a new addition, pitcher Scott Blewett.

On Monday, November 24, the St. Louis Cardinals signed C Yohel Pozo to a Major League contract. The club also signed RHP Scott Blewett and RHP Sem Robberse to minor league contracts, with non-roster invitations to Major League Spring Training camp.

Yohel Pozo

Pozo returns to the 40-man roster after having been non-tendered three days ago. The difference is that his new contract is a split one that pays him at a different rate depending on whether he is on the MLB roster or at Triple-A, according to Jeff Jones of The Belleville News-Democrat.

Pozo, 28, slashed .231/.262/.375/.637 in 188 plate appearances over 67 games in 2025, his first year with St. Louis. Though his OPS+ was a mediocre 78, 22% below MLB average, he endeared himself to some fans due to timely pinch hitting and to his teammates.

Pozo re-enters St. Louis’ catching derby for 2026, competing with Ivan Herrera, Pedro Pages and Jimmy Crooks.

This increases St. Louis’ 40-man roster count to 38.

Sem Robberse

Robberse, 24, has yet to make his MLB debut. After four starts with a 7.36 ERA and 2.11 WHIP for Memphis in 2025, the native of the Netherlands underwent Tommy John surgery last May. He has been rehabbing since.

The right-hander joined the organization in the Jordan Hicks trade in July 2023. Since then, he has used two of his three minor league option years but during 2026, he will be working to earn his way back on and join St. Louis.

Robberse had previously been a member of The Cardinal Nation’s Top 50 prospect list, but dropped off.

Scott Blewett

Blewett, 29, is the definition of a journeyman. The fastball, slider right-hander was Kansas City’s second round draft pick as a high schooler in 2014 and reached the majors in 2020. Blewett became a free agent when outrighted following the 2021 season.

From there, he signed minor league deals with the White Sox (2022), Braves (2023) and the Twins (2024). Minnesota added him to its major league roster during 2024, only to outright him that fall. They re-signed Blewett as a minor league free agent less than two weeks later. Early in the 2025 season, he made his way back to the majors, but a week later, he was placed on waivers and claimed by the Orioles.

Five days later, still in April 2025, Blewett was designated for assignment again and traded back to the Braves for cash considerations. Oddly, in June, Baltimore re-acquired him, again for cash.

From July on, Blewett sat out with a right elbow injury. In September, the Orioles DFAed him, he was outrighted again, cleared waivers and declared free agency.

Over parts of four seasons in the majors, 2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025, Blewett pitched in 43 games, 41 in relief, with a 4.21 ERA. He is not overpowering, nor does he have exceptional control, having struck out 7.8 batters per nine innings and walking 4.0.

His results at the highest level of the minor leagues are not impressive. In 91 games and 225 2/3 Triple-A innings over five years, Blewett’s ERA is 6.98. However, that seems to be his most likely destination in 2026. If Blewett does make the 40-man roster at some point, he will be a one-and-done player, as he has no minor league options remaining.

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 during the offseason and is accessible from the same menu as team rosters.

Now 20% off – 2025 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its eighth year. It includes 256 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including dozens of all-new player scouting reports. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book copy today, with the latter on closeout for 20% off!

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 2025 St. Louis Cardinals Prospect Guide

Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation

TCN 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Prospect #43 – Ty Van Dyke

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If you enjoyed this article, please consider joining The Cardinal Nation to receive the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system, including access to every article in our 2026 Top Cardinals Prospects series.

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

© 2025 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Cardinals Name Wetherholt and Mautz 2025 Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year

photo: JJ Wetherholt and Brycen Mautz via Zoom (St. Louis Cardinals)

The St. Louis Cardinals announced their 2025 Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year, infielder JJ Wetherholt and left-handed starting pitcher Brycen Mautz.

St. Louis Cardinals release

Cardinal Minor League Player of the Year – INF JJ Wetherholt

Wetherholt, 23, was one of top minor league hitters of the season slashing .306/.421/.510 with 17 home runs, 28 doubles, two triples, 59 RBI, 82 runs scored, 23 stolen bases and a .931 OPS across 109 games with Double-A Springfield (62 games) and Triple-A Memphis (47 games). He was one of six players across Minor League Baseball this season to slash greater than .300/.400/.500 while also stealing at least 20 bases (min. 300 plate appearances) and the first Cardinals minor leaguer to do so in the last 59 years (Ted Savage, 1966).

JJ Wetherholt

The left-handed batter ranked among the Cardinals minor league leaders in OPS (2nd), batting average (3rd), on-base percentage (2nd), slugging percentage (3rd), hits (125, 2nd), extra-base hits (47, 2nd) doubles (2nd), home runs (3rd), walks (72, 1st), runs (1st), stolen bases (T6th), and RBI (8th) (min. 350 plate appearances). His .421 on-base percentage ranked fifth among all qualified minor league players.

“JJ’s 2025 season was a model of consistent excellence, both in the form of on-field results, and in process,” said Larry Day, Cardinals Director of Player Development. “He combined elite swing decisions and contact quality with relentless daily preparation, and his commitment to refining every aspect of his game on both sides of the ball was evident from start to finish. This mindset and deliberate approach to how he trains and prepares has translated into on-field production and sets the foundation for sustained success as we look ahead.”

Starting across multiple infield positions (61 games at shortstop, 20 games at second base, 12 games at third base), Wetherholt ranked second in the Cardinals farm system with 11 games of three-or-more hits and reached base safely in 96 of his 109 games played (88.1%), 72 of which included reaching safely multiple times (66.1%).

He was instrumental in the Springfield Cardinals finishing as first half champions, playing in 62 of the team’s first 81 games before his July 7 promotion to Memphis. In his 109 games played this season, Springfield and Memphis combined for a 68-41 record (.624 winning percentage) versus a 17-18 record when he did not play.

JJ Wetherholt (PJ Maigi/Springfield Cardinals)

Following the season, JJ was recognized as the Texas League’s Most Valuable Player, in addition to being named the International League’s Top MLB Prospect and to the All-MiLB Prospect First Team. He currently ranks as one of the top MLB prospects by Baseball America (No. 4), MLB Pipeline (No. 5), and FanGraphs (No. 9).

Selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of West Virigina University, the club’s consensus top prospect becomes the fifth middle infielder to win the organization’s Player of the Year award, joining Kolton Wong (2013), Adam Kennedy (1999), Pablo Ozuna (1998), and Brent Butler (1997). He also becomes the sixth player to win the organizational honor one year after being drafted by the club joining Jordan Walker (2021), Matt Carpenter (2010), Colby Rasmus (2006), Albert Pujols (2000), and Butler.

Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year – LHP Brycen Mautz

Mautz, 24, completed his third professional season with an 8-3 record, 2.98 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 134 strikeouts in 25 starts (114.2 IP) for Springfield.

The 6’4’’ southpaw ranked among Cardinals minor league pitching leaders in wins (T-4th), strikeouts (T-2nd), starts (T-3rd), ERA (6th), innings pitched (5th), strikeout percentage (28.6%, 8th), strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.06, 5th), WHIP (6th), and opponent on-base percentage (.277, 4th) (min. 50.0 innings pitched).

“Brycen’s 2025 season showcased tremendous growth through a calculated process. Those that know Brycen are not surprised, after he spent an off-season dedicating himself to velocity development,” explained Day. He showed the ability to translate deliberate mound work and athletic throwing programs into an impressive string of quality starts, while also refining his breaking ball shapes and fastball execution. The in-game results are outcomes of Brycen’s willingness to lean into his development plan with intent and maturity, blending mechanical refinement, pitch design, and strength work into a complete starter’s routine. From afar, it was awesome to watch Mautzy solidify big-league-caliber habits.”

Brycen Mautz

Mautz pitched 6.0 innings or more in four starts (all quality) and reached 5.0 innings or longer in 14 of 25 outings. Additionally, the left-hander yielded zero earned runs in seven starts, one run or fewer in 16 outings, and two runs or fewer in 21 starts. Springfield was 17-8 in Brycen’s starts this season, the best team winning percentage (.680) of any Cardinals minor league pitcher to make at least 20 starts.

Over his final 12 regular season starts, Mautz went 7-1 while registering a 1.95 ERA (60.0 IP), striking out 69 batters and limiting opponents to a .201 batting average, highlighted by a 6.0 inning, one-hit performance with a season-high 10 strikeouts at San Antonio on August 8.

Mautz started and won both of Springfield’s series-clinching games in the Texas League playoffs as the club celebrated its first league championship since 2012 (second overall). The left-hander finished the postseason with a 2-0 record and just one run allowed in 11.0 IP, blanking Tulsa (AA-Dodgers) over 5.0 innings in the semifinals and then hurling 6.0 innings of one-run ball in the winner-take-all championship game at Midland (AA-Athletics) on Sept. 24.

Brycen Mautz (Ilana Avergun/Springfield Cardinals)

His efforts led him to be named to the Texas League Post-Season All-Star Team after pacing all league qualifiers in WHIP, opponent on-base pct., and winning pct., while also ranking among league leaders in ERA (2nd), opponent batting average (.219, 3rd), strikeouts (T-4th), strikeout-to-walk ratio (3rd), strikeout percentage (2nd), and strikeouts/9 IP (10.52, 2nd).

Mautz was twice named Texas League Pitcher of Week (April 14-20 and August 4-10) and was recognized as Texas League Pitcher of the Month for July after going 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA (23.0 IP) in five starts. The left-hander allowed one or fewer runs in all five outings while striking out 28 and allowed only 16 hits (.193 batting average).

The San Diego, California native was selected by the Cardinals on his 21st birthday in the second round (59th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of the University of San Diego. He becomes the eighth left-handed pitcher to win the award, joining Quinn Mathews (2024), Matthew Liberatore (2021), Austin Gomber (2015), Marco Gonzalez (2014), Tyler Johnson (2002), Bud Smith (2000), and Rick Ankiel (1998-99).

Brian Walton’s take

Congratulations to the winners. Earlier choices for comparable honors by The Cardinal Nation are catcher Rainiel Rodriguez and left-hander Ixan Henderson.

The Player selection was close and as such, I expected the Cardinals would take the surer thing closest to the majors in Wetherholt. On the pitching side, Henderson and Mautz were Springfield teammates the entire season. While the latter was a Texas League All-Star, the former was the Double-A league’s Pitcher of the Year. The Cardinals clearly felt differently about their seasons relatively.

Compare candidate results in these two articles and decide for yourself.

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TCN’s 2025 Cardinals Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year

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Cardinals Protect Four from 2026 Rule 5 Draft

photo: Jose Oquendo, Leonard Bernal (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

The St. Louis Cardinals added four players – Leonardo Bernal, Joshua Baez, Brycen Mautz and Cooper Hjerpe – to their 40-man roster on Tuesday. Jorge Alcalá was designated for assignment.

Tuesday, November 18 at 6:00 p.m. ET was an important date for Major League Baseball teams. That was the deadline to protect players eligible for the Rule 5 draft and set 40-man rosters accordingly. The annual draft is scheduled for December 10.

Following a flurry of roster changes on November 6, the Cardinals’ roster sat at 37 players, meaning they could protect a maximum of three eligible minor leaguers. Those not protected become eligible to be selected by another organization in the draft, assuming the claiming team has an open 40-man spot.

Eligibility is based on the age of the player when initially signed as well as how long he has been a professional. This applies to both domestic and international players.

Players who signed at 18 years or younger must be added within five seasons. Those who signed at 19 or older must be added within four seasons.

Regular listeners to our Wednesday With Walton and Reis podcast are aware that my prediction was that the Cardinals would protect catcher Leonardo Bernal, outfielder Joshua Baez and injured left-hander Cooper Hjerpe.

That is precisely what happened on Tuesday, with one logical and deserving addition, 2025 Texas League All-Star left-handed pitcher Brycen Mautz. Room was created for the fourth new 40-man roster member when reliever Jorge Alcalá was designated for assignment.

As a point of reference, the first three newly protected players were ranked in the Top 10 of The Cardinal Nation’s most recent Cardinals Top Prospect List update (published in August). Mautz was 17th.

Late in the 2025 season, the Cardinals made several preemptive moves. They added three prospects who would otherwise have been among those on the eligible list to the 40-man and gave them their first taste of the majors. They are catcher Jimmy Crooks, infielder Cesar Prieto and outfielder Nathan Church.

At risk

Tuesday’s moves leave other prominent Cardinals minor leaguers exposed to the Rule 5 draft. That list includes first baseman Blaze Jordan and outfielder Miguel Ugueto, as well as pitchers Max Rajcic, Hancel Rincon, Pete Hansen, Austin Love, Darlin Saladin and Cade Winquest.

Blaze Jordan

Of them, Jordan, who came over from Boston at the trade deadline for Steven Matz, was proficient driving in runs in his Memphis debut, but batted below the Mendoza Line. Ugueto starred in the Arizona Fall League, but like all the other exposed players noted just above (other than Jordan and Rajcic), he has no Triple-A experience.

Miguel Ugueto

What is next

Remember that all players taken in the Major League Phase of the draft must remain on the 26-man active MLB roster of the claiming team for the entire 2026 season or be offered back. Player lack of readiness for the majors can be a major deterrent to a prospective selecting team, especially in the case of position players.

Though the Cardinals’ 40-man roster is currently full, another major deadline is just ahead on Friday, November 21. That is the “non-tender date,” by which teams must offer a 2026 contract to all players under six years of service time. If no contract is offered, the player becomes a free agent.

This could recreate 40-man space the Cardinals could use in trades or as a buyer in the Rule 5 draft. So, stay tuned throughout what promises to be a busy off-season!

Addendum – Player profiles from the St. Louis Cardinals

Joshua Baez

Baez, 22, the Cardinals 2021 2nd round selection in the MLB Draft out of Dexter Southfield School in Brookline, Mass., had a breakout season in 2025 between Peoria (A+) and Springfield (AA) batting .287 with 20 home runs, 79 RBI and was successful in 54-of-63 stolen base attempts.  The 6-foot-3, 242 lb, slugger posted an .884 OPS and played in a career-high 117 games.  The Cardinals No. 4 prospect according to Baseball America, led the organization in total bases and stolen bases, while ranking among the Top 5 in home runs (1st), RBI (2nd), hits (3rd), runs (3rd), doubles (3rd) and and extra base hits (3rd).

Leonardo Bernal

Bernal, 21, an international free agent signed out of Panama City, Panama, in 2021 was selected as the Rawlings Minor League Gold Glove winner at catcher for the 2025 season which included all minor league players at every level.  The switch-hitting backstop played in 107 games at Springfield and batted .247 with 13 HR and 70 RBI with 13 stolen bases.  Bernal threw out 39.1 percent of attempted base stealers, catching 27 in 69 attempts. He is the Cardinals No. 4 prospect for MLB.com and ranked No. 9 by Baseball America.

Cooper Hjerpe

Hjerpe, 24, the Cardinals 1st round selection (22nd overall pick) in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Oregon State, missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.  The sidewinding southpaw has averaged 12.2 strikeouts/9 IP over the first two years of his professional playing career hurling 93.1 innings and was a non-roster invite to Cardinals Major League camp in 2025.

Brycen Mautz

Mautz, 24, the Cardinals 2nd round selection out of the University of San Diego in 2022 posted an 8-3 record with a 2.98 ERA in 25 starts for Springfield.  Mautz ranked among Cardinals farmhands in ERA (2.98, 4th), strikeouts (134, 2nd), innings pitched (114.2, 4th) and WHIP (1.11, 2nd).

Jorge Alcalá

Alcala’, 30, pitched in 15 games for St. Louis as a waiver claim from Boston on August 7.

(TCN note: Alcala’s St. Louis’ ERA was 5.02, making him a prime non-tender candidate, anyway.)

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 during the offseason and is accessible from the same menu as team rosters.

Now 20% off – 2025 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its eighth year. It includes 256 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including dozens of all-new player scouting reports. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book copy today, with the latter on closeout for 20% off!

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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If you enjoyed this article, please consider joining The Cardinal Nation to receive the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system, including access to every article in our 2026 Top Cardinals Prospects series.

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© 2025 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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

© 2025 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

St. Louis Cardinals Organization Roster Matrix – 2025-2026 Offseason

NOTE: As of 2/28/26, this version of the roster matrix is no longer current. It reflects changes during the 2025-2026 off-season. It should now be considered a historical reference document. For the active roster matrix during 2026 spring training, click here.

The St. Louis Cardinals’ full system view by position and level is updated to reflect rosters and transactions for the 2025-2026 offseason.

This newest Roster Matrix covers the St. Louis Cardinals and the entire minor league system, including the MLB club and their four full-season affiliates plus two rookie level teams – for the 2025-2026 offseason.

As a reminder, the previous matrix outlined all organizational transactions during the 2025 regular season.

A refresher

If you are new to The Cardinal Nation and not familiar with the Cardinals organization roster matrix, here is quick summary:

As the 2025-2026 offseason opened, the Cardinals organization had 235 players under contract from top to bottom, including a full 40-man roster. The 40-man members are called out in bold.

The matrix places each of the 235 players by position at his assigned level in the system as well as by position.

The matrix is updated whenever transactions occur.

Nowhere else will you find this current and comprehensive single-page view of the entire Cardinals organization plus a decade of history.

(Do not be concerned about the order of the players’ names within position. It has no relative significance.)

Looking ahead and back

Now that you’ve found this page once, remember one of three ways to get back here. Bookmark the page, type “Roster Matrix” in the dark blue search box at the upper right (click on the magnifying glass icon) or use the menu at the left of the page: “ROSTERS/PLAYERS/MOVES” > “TRANSACTIONS/ROSTER MATRIX”.

While you are using that menu, note TCN’s full rosters and player pages for every level and every player in the Cardinals system. These rosters remain in sync with the Roster Matrix and carry biographical information on all players.

St. Louis Cardinals
Memphis Redbirds
Springfield Cardinals
Peoria Chiefs
Palm Beach Cardinals
Florida Complex League Cardinals
Dominican Summer League Cardinals

For details behind prior years’ rosters and transactions (back to 2009), check out the earlier versions of the Cardinals organization Roster Matrix, via the following link.

Link to previous matrices

Transactions

11/2: New organization total: 235 players. 40-man roster full.

11/2: RHS Miles Mikolas declares free agency. DSL RHP Michael Correa released. 40-man roster at 39. New organization total: 233 players.

11/6: Mem UT Bryan Torres onto 40-man roster. StL LHP Zack Thompson off 60-day IL, cleared waivers and assigned to Mem. Mem LHR Anthony Veneziano cleared waivers and became a free agent. Mem OF Michael Siani claimed off waivers by ATL. Mem RHR Roddery Munoz claimed off waivers by CIN. New organization total: 230 players. 40-man roster at 37.

11/6: 10 minor league free agents (MEM): RHR Osvaldo Berrios, RHS Zach Plesac, RHR Jack Ralston, RHS Curtis Taylor, RHR Zack Weiss, RHS Aaron Wilkerson, LHR Tyler Matzek, LHR Oddanier Mosqueda, LHS Drew Rom, C Gavin Collins. Two minor league free agents (SPR): RHR Ricardo Velez, OF Darlin Moquete. New organization total: 218 players. 40-man roster at 37.

retro to 11/1: Impending minor league FAs re-signed. Mem C Andy Yerzy, Mem 1B Matt Lloyd, Mem RHR Gerson Moreno, Spr 3B Ramon Mendoza, Spr RHS Hancel Rincon. International FAs RHP Sal Figuereo, OF Andey Garrido signed, assigned to DSL. New organization total: 220 players.

11/18: StL RHR Jorge Alcala designated for assignment. Added to the 40-man roster: Spr C Leonardo Bernal, Spr OF Joshua Baez, Spr LHS Brycen Mautz and Spr LHS Cooper Hjerpe. 40-man roster full.

11/21: Four players non-tendered. StL LHR John King, StL RHR Jorge Alcala (previously DFAed), StL C Yohel Pozo, Mem RHS Sem Robberse. 40-man roster at 37. New organization total: 216 players.

11/24: C Yohel Pozo signed to a major league contract. RHPs Sem Robberse and Scott Blewett signed to minor league contracts with spring training invites. 40-man roster at 38. New organization total: 219 players.

11/25: StL RHS Sonny Gray traded to Bos for RHS Richard Fitts (StL) and LHS Brandon Clarke (Peo). New organization total: 220 players.

12/5: RHR Zak Kent claimed off waivers from CLE, placed on 40-man. New organization total: 221 players. 40-man roster at 39.

12/10: Rule 5 draft ML phase: AAA RHR Matt Pushard from Mia, Spr RHS Cade Winquest to NYY. AAA phase: AA RHS Ryan Murphy from SF; Spr RHR Sean Harney to Ari, Mem 1B Matt Lloyd to Bos, Spr RHR Zane Mills to ChC. 40-man roster full. New organization total: 219 players.

12/11: DSL RHP Pedro Olivero released. New organization total: 218 players.

12/17: Free agent RHP Dustin May signs. Mem OF Matt Koperniak designated for assignment. New organization total: 219 players. 40-man roster remains full.

12/19: OF Matt Koperniak cleared waivers, returns to Memphis.

12/21: StL 1B Willson Contreras traded to Red Sox for MLB RHS Hunter Dobbins, Low-A RHS Yhoiker Fajardo, High-A RHS Blake Aita. 40-man roster remains full. New organization total: 221 players.

12/22: LHR Jared Shuster signed to a minor league contract with MLB spring camp invite. New organization total: 222 players.

1/5: LHS Bruce Zimmermann signed to minors free agent contract, assigned to Memphis. New organization total: 223 players.

1/6: LHR Justin Bruihl acquired from CLE for cash considerations. RHR Zak Kent designated for assignment. 40-man roster remains full. New organization total: 224 players.

1/9: RHR Zak Kent claimed off waivers by Texas. New organization total: 223 players.

1/13: StL 3B Nolan Arenado and cash traded to Arizona for minors RHP Jack Martinez. Free agent RHR Ryne Stanek signed. 40-man roster remains full. New organization total: 224 players.

1/15: 12 international players signed, assigned to DSL. RHPs Jordan Beltran, Javier Martinez and Rafaeli Moronta. LHP Emilio Jimenez. C Sebastian Rojas. IF Roberth Castillo. SS Carlos Carrion. OFs Luis Estrella, Jhon Franganten, Misael Sanchez and Christopher Vargas. CF Emanuel Luna. New organization total: 236 players.

Retro to 10/22: International FA LHP Juan Santillan signed, assigned to DSL. New organization total: 237 players.

1/23: Spr 3B Jacob Buchberger retired. New organization total: 236 players.

1/26: 27 Non-roster invitees to big league camp including minor free agent signing, outfielder Nelson Velazquez. New organization total: 237 players.

Retro to 1/19: RHP Robbie Knowles, RHP Dominic Freeberger signed to minors contracts, assigned to FCL and Peo, respectively. New organization total: 239 players.

2/2: StL 2B Brendan Donovan to SEA for three players and two Comp B round draft picks. SHP Jurrangelo Cijntje (Spr), OF Tai Peete (Peo), OF Colton Ledbetter (Spr). New organization total 241 players. 40-man roster at 39 players.

2/3: 1B/OF Bligh Madris signed to minors contract, assigned to Mem.  New organization total 242 players.

2/6: 3B Bryan Ramos claimed off waivers from BAL, assigned to StL.
RHR Justin Militello signed to minors contract, assigned to Peo. New organization total: 244 players. 40-man roster now full.

2/10: RHR George Soriano acquired from WAS for RHR Andre Granillo. 40-man roster remains full.

2/16: RHR Zak Kent claimed off waivers from Texas. 3B Bryan Ramos designated for assignment. New organization total: 245 players. 40-man roster remains full.

2/20: 3B Bryan Ramos claimed off waivers by Baltimore. New organization total: 244 players.

2/21: Free agent IF Ramon Urias signed. RHR Zak Kent designated for assignment. New organization total: 245 players.

The St. Louis Cardinals Organization Roster Matrix (effective 2/21/26)

St. Louis (30+1) 40-man (40)
SP RP C 1B 2B SS 3B OF
Fitts Svanson I Herrera Burleson Saggese Winn Gorman Nootbaar
McGreevy  Ry Fernandez Pages  Fermin Urias Scott
Pallante Romero (L) Crooks Walker
Liberatore (L) Graceffo Pozo Church
May Leahy
Dobbins Roycroft
O’Brien
Bruihl (L)
Stanek
Soriano
Kent (DFA)
Memphis (27)
SP RP C 1B 2B SS 3B OF
Roby Naughton (L NRI) Yerzy (NRI) Jordan (NRI) Prieto  Wetherholt (NRI) Antico (NRI)
Mathews (L NRI) V Santos Linarez (NRI) Moore (NRI) Torres
Rajcic (NRI) Shuster (L NRI) Koperniak (NRI)
Bedell Raquet (L) Velazquez (NRI)
Robberse (NRI) Moreno (NRI) Madris
Zimmermann (L NRI) Cornwell (L)
Hales (NRI)
Z Thompson (L NRI)
Blewett (NRI)
Pushard
Springfield (33)
SP RP C 1B 2B SS 3B OF
Rincon (NRI) Hayes Bernal Harris J Rivas (NRI) R Mendoza (NRI) C Davis (NRI)
Murphy E Nunez Tarlow (NRI) Paige Gazdar Jo Baez
Hansen (L NRI) Watson (L) Adkison Levenson
Mautz (L) Gastelum (NRI) Mendlinger
Henderson (L NRI) Saladin Ugueto
Hjerpe (L) Clemente Ledbetter
Hence Love (NRI)
Lin Bradt
Doyle (L) Burns
Cijntje (L/R NRI)
Peoria (37+1)
SP RP C 1B 2B SS 3B OF
Franklin G Salas Campos Kross Richardson Villarroel Ortiz Petrutz
Davila A Holiday S Hernandez A Encarnacion Martin Jesus Baez Sojka
B Davis (L) Showalter Ra Rodriguez Cho
Molina Picone Honeyman
Dohm Findlay (L) Jo Cordoba
Elissalt Savacool Peete
B Thompson J Ramirez
Clarke Carpenter
Aita Jos King
Wood (RL)
Worley
Militello
Freeberger
Palm Beach (34)
SP RP C 1B 2B SS 3B OF
Sequera Reyes Caraballo Gurevitch J Mejia Weingartner McGee Miura
Odle Harrison Birge Flores Dattalo J Suarez
Sparks B Lopez Heath Haskins Pino
Ynfante Y Herrera (L) Y Pena
Dutkanych Olsen Nickens
Y Batista (L) Kublick
Van Dyke Brodersen
Fajardo Watts
Galvez
Breckheimer
Mack (L)
Fl Complex Lg (35)
P P C 1B 2B SS 3B OF
Menes Moran C Lopez Salazar B Taveras Y Guerrero D Rojas Velasquez
B Holiday Paulino Loaiza Guribe Padilla R Cabrera
G Vargas A Bolivar Asprilla Junco Arthur
Willis Rice (L) Lebron Mitchell
K Ramirez Cuello Lucena
Crossland (L) Best
Young Driessen
Graham Jack Martinez
Echeman Knowles
Shelagowski
DSL (46+1)
P (first year 2024) P (1st year 2023) C 1B 2B SS 3B OF
Zulueta X Cruz (first year 2024) (first year 2024) (first year 2024) (first year 2024)
Franco Ja Baez JP Cabrera Saez Amoroso
Chinchilla R Lopez
J Garcia
Ry Rodriguez (first year 2025) (first year 2025) (first year 2025) (first year 2025) (first year 2025) (first year 2025)
Chaparro J Perez Dos Santos Cordero Hunter
Rujano Mi Hernandez Takahashi
P (first year 2025) P (first year 2025) H Cabrera Portolatin Strop
Alvarez B Rodriguez
JE Cabrera K Peralta
JC Garcia B Reyes (RL)
D Gomez D Mejia
Cana (L) Ri Fernandez
P (first year 2026) C (first year 2026) 2B (first year 2026) SS (first year 2026) OF (first year 2026)
Beltran S Rojas Castillo Carrion Estrella
Javier Martinez Franganten
Moronta Sanchez
Jimenez (L) C Vargas
Garrido (L) Luna
Santillan (L) Figuereo

Codes
(IL): injured list (7-day, 10-day, 15-day or 60-day)
(FSIL): full-season injured list
(DFA): designated for assignment
(TI): temporarily inactive list
(PL): paternity leave
(RL): restricted list
(L): left-handed pitcher
bold: on the Cardinals’ 40-man roster
(#+#): for teams, the number of active players on the roster plus number of inactive/not under contract (IL+TI+PL+RL) players

Now available – 2026 Cardinals Prospect Guide

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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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© 2025-2026 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.