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CC, I think Santana may be up mid 2027, and be very valuable. Molina would be my next choice with him being outstanding his last few starts. Franklin and Doyle need some AAA seasoning. Fajardo would be a little further behind starting at AA. Roby is a wild card, but we should know more when he pitches in the AFL.
I like Brandon Christopher Clarke
Well, he’s getting his arm operated on again instead of going to AFL. A “minor procedure”. Supposed to work out at the Jupiter complex this winter.
Roby, Winquest, and Santana all are likely to be strong players in the bullpen. I could see Rajcic being a strength there too, but more than likely he’ll just be average. Who knows what Svanson is anymore? Clarke could be too I suppose. I really don’t know enough about him yet to make any real guesses. Rincon & Mautz are each JAG (just a guy). Clemente should be gone through free agency. I don’t think Hansen ever makes it.
I don’t know that anyone on the list is likely to be a strong positive as a starter next season. I would bet Molina and Cijntje will both struggle in their first partial season in the MLB. I don’t think Doyle or Franklin get promoted that high yet – at least not until September.
You didn’t put Hjerpe on your list. He could potentially be a positive as either a starter or reliever, but would have serious innings limits as a starter. You also didn’t put Eagan on there. I find him a bit fascinating and think he could get a trial run at some point if there are enough injuries. Also, don’t completely dismiss Brandt Thompson. Nobody ever talks about him. His stuff is mediocre. But he’s a real “pitcher” and he could sneak in there in the right scenario.
Those are all my best guesses anyway!
Santana is my pick. He’s very difficult to hit, and he’s pretty likely to get a shot in the big leagues next year.
I’ll go with Cjintje based on today’s analysis titled ‘2026 Minor League Leader – Pitching Counting Stats’ on the front page of TCN website. Just not sure if Cjintje is ready yet. If Hjerpe gets added as a starter, I’ll go with Hjerpe.
For the bullpen I’ll go with Winquest with Santana as my runner up. The Cardinals let Rincon throw some pitches in games at the end of the season. I actually liked what I saw. He looked loose and unintimidated to me. His control is not there yet, but it could be there soon.. If Hjerpe moves toward the bullpen instead of rotation, I’ll go with Hjerpe.
I didn’t include Hjerpe because I take it as given he is a 2027 contributer
Clarke has barely pitched above A ball and considered leaving him off the list
Of the guys on CC’s list I am going with Mason Molina. He has been a but undervalued by some since day 1 but his stock continues to rise.
I don’t know about 2027 …but I would say Doyle is someone they need to develop into a top of the rotation starter by 2028
IMO, Doyle has shown the most efficiency and can project as an ace. He sets up to be MLB material in 2028. That’s when we should be looking at some sort of contention. Most likely wild card.
BULLPEN HOLDOVERS
Gastelum,Hjerpe, Graceffo, Bruihl, O’Brien, SorianoAt least 2 Free Agents
MOST LIKELY ADDITION
Fitts, Rincon, Santana, Mautz
OTHERS:Winquest, Molina, Clarke, Roby
STARTER HOLDOVERS
Laehy, McGreevy, Pallante, MathewsMOST LIKELY ADDITIONS
Fitts, Molina, Franklin, Hjerpe and possably a May type free agentMID SEASON AND OTHERS
Doyle, Franklin,ClarkeCijntje and/or Molina will be in the rotation by Midseason. It’s up to them to stick. I think Cijntje will stick before Molina will. But I like Molina’s chances as well.
I’ve been thinking about this for a couple days since CC created the thread. I decided I don’t know who has the best chance or is most likely. There are no slam dunks, but a long list of solid possibles. I think that is the key point, the long list. Lots of guys to jockey and get tried out during the course of the season. And there will be new names coming up or possibly acquired as well. And then there are guys we’ve seen, a Dobbins or a Fitts for example, who could have a solid year, or half year and then somebody else steps in. I see it as that kind of year. Similar to 2026 except a deeper talent pool.
Bling – You are right. That’s the real point here. It no longer matters if 2 key guys both fail because what used to be 2 key guys is now 15. Lots more depth is more likely to create success.
I was thinking about this with our prospect list. It’s not like numbers 1-8 are necessarily much better than they have been in recent years. But what used to be 8 real strong prospects is now 30. The number 29 guy on my list could have been number 8 four years ago.
Yes, I am having just as much trouble with my prospect list. I took a look at the cardinals.mlb site to see what their top 30 list looked like and was befuddled. Frias at #5? Really. Last year’s ace of the future, Mathews, is down sitting next to Clarke who can’t lace up without ending up in the hospital. Kuhns? Ragsdale? Is the new PTBNL really top 30? I took a wrong turn somewhere and am out in the weeds.
This thread really does an excellent job of organizing and sorting out the pitching for 2027. It sure looks like the pitching for 2027 will be much improved.
Bling – I’m with you on those you commented on. Clarke at #9 is absolute insanity – especially with Mathews at 8. Mathews has shown he can be an effective rotation piece at the MLB level with at least #4 as a floor. Clarke has shown he can pitch about 15 innings between each time he is injured. I don’t know how they can be equals.
I also agree with you on Frias. Not sure how he’s #5. He needs to do a lot more proving to be that high against our group of other great prospects.
Maybe you should take a look at our rankings… 😉
Free:
The Cardinal Nation August 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Top 50 Prospect List
With voters’ individual rankings (for subscribers):
The Cardinal Nation Top 50 Prospect List – August 2026 Details
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