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What ever happened to that 6’8″ DSL pitcher that the Cards signed 2-3 years ago? Did he ever even pitch in a game? Is he still with the team, or did he “retire” at 18??
I think you’re referring to Ruben Menes. I’m not sure though because he’s tall, but not quite that tall. He’s stateside now in the FCL, but he hasn’t done anything of note. He has started off solid this year, but just 12 innings so hard to judge.
But maybe you’re thinking of someone else.
I think Gronky is referring to Reiner Lopez, signed in 2023. He is still in the DSL and has pitched once this year, and not well. Two innings with a 13.50 era. Season is just getting started for them, so early returns are taken with a grain of salt. Last year it looks like he pitched in relief with an era of 8.49. He is 19 now, so some results need to start happening for him.
Yes, it was Lopez. Thank you cardsfan64!
I know both he in 2023 & Franco in 2024 were the Cards big signings. I know it’s a small sample size, but their struggles may underscore why most teams do not invest high dollars in DSL pitching & instead focus their dollars on hitters. They find guys who throw in the low-mid 80’s & sign them for nothing. Then once they get the proper nutrition, wind up 95-100mph in two years!
This is doubly interesting, as Cuban native Ryde Rodriguez was one of the #STLCards' first big money international signings, receiving a half million back in 2007. The OF reached High-A before his 2011 release, but played in Indy ball until 2018. https://t.co/jTkyVYoqFT
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) June 13, 2025
Gronky
Yes, it was Lopez. Thank you cardsfan64!
I know both he in 2023 & Franco in 2024 were the Cards big signings. I know it’s a small sample size, but their struggles may underscore why most teams do not invest high dollars in DSL pitching & instead focus their dollars on hitters. They find guys who throw in the low-mid 80’s & sign them for nothing. Then once they get the proper nutrition, wind up 95-100mph in two years!
Chen-Wei Lin was the other top signee in 2023 ($500k) and is also very tall at 6’7. He’s pretty good in A+ ball now, but is old as a prospect for the league.
A lnk to the newest International signing:
We have signed international free-agent OF Lucas Takahashi (Brazil) to a minor league deal.
The 17-year-old, Sao Paolo native has been assigned to the DSL Cardinals. pic.twitter.com/CEZC5jxApm
— Cardinals Player Development (@CardsPlayerDev) July 27, 2025
The Cardinals have signed Mexican LHP Juan Jose Santillan (18).
He trained at the Carlos Elizalde Baseball Academy.
Note: He’s a 2025 international signing. pic.twitter.com/piGtKQFjG3
— Redbird Farmhands (@RedbirdFarmhand) October 27, 2025
Cuban LHP 🇨🇺 Andey Garrido (18) has officially signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. Bonus deal: $175,000.
Garrido reaches 92-95 mph with excellent secondary pitches, including a sinker and changeup.
He wraps up a multi-year journey pursuing a deal in the Dominican Republic. pic.twitter.com/ipTBq1ToGL
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) November 1, 2025
Per Cardinals transaction page:
11/01/25 – St. Louis Cardinals signed free agent OF Saul Figuereo to a minor league contract.
OF – B/T: R/R – 6′ 4″/193
Born: 12/27/2007 in Yaguate, Dominican RepublicWelcome.
What does that purple avatar represent? It looks like a tulip, or maybe some kind of bird to me.
Anyone have some intel on Emmanuel Luna the 8th ranked International prospect. Saw on social media the Cards are going to give him a $3 million dollar signing bonus. Also saw they are comparing him to a young Aaron Judge. One can dream I guess.
With the 2025 International Period ending in a couple of days the Cardinals add Dominican INF Diego Concepcion to their 2025 class
Concepcion is know for his athleticism and has played in multiple large tournaments in the Dominican Republic.
Credit to @bkfan09 for bringing it… pic.twitter.com/ktrBC9yggE
— Redbird Farmhands (@RedbirdFarmhand) December 13, 2025
Not signed yet, but reported to be one of the IFA signings on Jan. 15.
The Cardinals are expected to sign Dominican Luis Angel Estrella when the 2026 international signing period opens in January
Known for his power Estrella trained at the LF Martinez Baseball Academy in La Victoria, Dominican Republic the same academy that produced current top… pic.twitter.com/yief4vb6Z6
— Redbird Farmhands (@RedbirdFarmhand) December 15, 2025
Baseball America ranks Emmanuel Luna who is projected to sign with the Cardinals as the 10th best prospect in this International class. Luna has tremendous raw power and 6-2 195 LB CF with speed.
He is the only top 50 player expected to sign with the Cardinals from BA’s rankings.
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2026-mlb-international-prospects-bonus-board/
Luna appears to have plus plus power potential. And signing for 3 mill, he takes up a chunk of their international pool money. I’m interested to see who they sign for 2026.
Base Pool Tiers for 2026 (Approximate)
Highest Tier (~$8M+): Diamondbacks, Orioles, Guardians, Rockies, Royals, Pirates, Cardinals, etc..
Mid Tier (~$7.3M): Athletics, Reds, Tigers, etc..
Lower Tier (~$6.2M): Braves, Red Sox, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Padres, Blue Jays, etc..
Reduced Pools: Teams signing QO free agents (Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Yankees) had their pools cut by $500k or $1M.According to Google AI, Cards have $8m pool. I was curious so thought I’d share for us nerds that always look at the business side.
I love that, when I saw that the Luna kid was likely to get 3 million, I thought that would be pretty much the entire pool. I’m actually a little shocked it’s gotten up that high.
BA latest update says that SS Carlos Carrion was originally linked to the Padres, but is expected to sign with the Cardinals. 1+ million signing bonus is expected.
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2026-mlb-international-prospects-bonus-board/
Since most International signings usually occur 2-3 years before signing day itself, is it safe to safe that most of this years crop for the Cards is still heavily influenced by the Mo regime, or was there time for Bloom to put his stamp on this year’s class? I know that the Cards scouts are pretty much the same, I was referring more to the overall philosophy on how to allocate money, traits to look for in players they target, hitters vs pitchers, etc.).
Moises Rodriguez remains in charge of the Cardinals international operations and has been in that role for 20 years. To any extent Bloom may have redirected him is unknown and will likely never be disclosed. It is not as if the Cards haven’t spent big money (seven figures) before, but it certainly has not been a regular occurrence. But it has also been close to a decade since they could spend over $8 million if they choose.
One positive (or should I say, non negative) since Bloom arrived is they stopped signing MLB qualified free agents. In consecutive years, Gray and Contreras each took a half million dollars of international spending away (plus second round draft picks). These are clear examples of how focus on the MLB club under Mo directly hurt player development.
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