photo: Max Rajcic (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The St. Louis Cardinals selected the contract of right-hander Max Rajcic from Memphis and designated for assignment right-hander Chris Roycroft.
St. Louis Cardinals release
The St. Louis Cardinals selected the contract of RHP Max Rajcic (rhymes with magic) from Memphis (AAA). In a corresponding move, RHP Chris Roycroft was designated for assignment.
Rajcic, 24, was selected by the Cardinals in the 6th round (187th overall) of the 2022 Major League Baseball draft out of the University of California-Los Angeles.
The 5-foot-10, 250 lb., hurler posted a 4-2 record with 2.88 ERA in 26 appearances with the Redbirds upon his promotion. He made one start on April 5 vs. Norfolk in Game 2 of a doubleheader. Rajcic arrives as the Redbirds’ current saves leader with five in six opportunities. The Orange, Calif., native ranks tied for 5th in the International League in saves and appearances and is the Cardinals reigning Minor League Pitcher of the Month for May 2026.
Rajcic was the Cardinals 2023 Minor League Pitcher of the Year while playing for Palm Beach (A) and Peoria (High-A). He was invited to Major League Spring Training each of the last three seasons making 10 appearances covering 17.2 innings.
Over four minor league seasons, Rajcic compiled a 26-26 record with a 3.81 ERA, one complete game shutout and five saves while striking out 400 batters over 413.0 innings.
Rajcic would be the Cardinals third pitcher and sixth call-up to make his Major League debut this season. He will wear uniform No. 71.
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