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2025 St. Louis Cardinals Top Fantasy Baseball Prospects

Taking a look at the top prospects in the Cardinals' system for 2025.

Jack Mueller
Dynasty 24 Hours Ago

The Cardinals enter 2025 at a crossroads. St. Louis missed the playoffs for the second straight season after making the playoffs for four consecutive years before 2023. They finished the season with 83 wins, ten games out of the division lead, and six games out of a wildcard spot. The decision-makers at Busch Stadium are feeling the pressure, and with Paul Goldschmidt leaving and Nolan Arenado angling for a trade away from the organization, they will be faced with some tough decisions in the near future.

Luckily for them, their farm system is flush with impact players who are poised to make their Major League debut in 2025. Traditionally, the Cardinals have drafted and developed players at a remarkable rate and look to continue that tradition this season. The old guard may be on their way out of St. Louis, but there is a young group of talented players ready to take the leap into the Majors to take their place.

Head over to the Pitcher List dynasty page to check out the rest of the farm system rankings!

 

Top Cardinals Prospects

 

The Top Tier

 

1) JJ Wetherholt – INF, 22 YO

2024 MiLB Stats (A): .295/.405/.400/2 HR/2 SB/11.9 K%/12.7 BB%

The Cardinals’ 2024 first-round selection launched himself into the upper echelon of St. Louis’ prospect rankings almost immediately after signing. His 2023 collegiate season will go down in history as one of the best in the era. Wetherholt hit .449 with 16 homers and 36 steals in 55 games with West Virginia, putting him in the conversation for the #1 overall pick in 2024. A hamstring injury limited him to 36 games, but he still managed to hit eight home runs with a .331/.472/.589 slash line. While he fell slightly in the draft behind six other outstanding college players, he has a chance to make an instant impact at Busch Stadium.

His time in professional baseball has been short, but Wetherholt has already shown flashes of the talent that has made him one of the most sought-after players in FYPD’s this season. In 29 games at Palm Beach, he has two home runs and two steals. Perhaps even more impressive is Wetherholt’s plate discipline. He had more walks than strikeouts (16 BBs, 15 Ks) in his first taste of pro ball. The same thing happened in all three seasons in the Big 12 with the Mountaineers. His combination of 20-homer power, elite plate discipline and plus base-stealing ability makes Wetherholt one of the most exciting players in all of the minor leagues.

Masyn Winn has all but laid claim to the shortstop position with the Cardinals after an impressive 2024 (103 wRC+, 3 OAA), so Wetherholt will likely be forced out of his natural position. However, his glove is good enough (2 errors in 199 innings) to land at either third or second in the future. With the uncertainty surrounding Nolan Arenado’s future with the team, and the lack of a permanent option at second, Wetherholt could be fast-tracked towards a Major League debut in 2025.

 

2) Tink Hence – SP, 22 YO

2024 Stats (AA):  79.2 IP/ 2.71 ERA / 1.07 WHIP / 109 SO

Tink Hence reclaims his spot at #2 in the Cardinals organization after an incredible season in AA. The one blemish on an otherwise stellar campaign would be his health. While Hence put together almost 80 innings, he suffered a late-season injury that ended his 2024 abruptly. Information about the specific injury or the severity is sparse, however MLB.com reported that a upper body injury had been affecting the pitcher all season.

While his health remains a concern, his results on the mound are not. Hence took a massive step forward from his first taste of AA action. His strikeout and walk rates improved, and it showed. Both his ERA and FIP were nearly half of what they were in 2023 with Springfield. His arsenal is Major League ready, with a mid-to-high 90’s fastball, a wipeout slider, a disgusting changeup and a lethal curveball. All four pitches could be legitimate weapons against Major League hitters, and it’s only a matter of time until he’ll be promoted to prove it.

 

3) Leonardo Bernal – C, 20 YO

2024 MiLB Stats (A+, AA): .262/.336/.403/11 HR/ 7 SB/ 22.0 K%/9.8 BB%

Bernal is just one of many players on this list who jumped significantly up the rankings in the year since I originally covered the Cardinals. Just under one year ago, I ranked Bernal outside of the top-15, and said to look for an “increased power output in 2024”. Well, Bernal set a career-high in homers (11) with a .262/.336/.403 slash in 110 games. The 20-year-old backstop made his AA debut at the end of August, appearing in 14 games but struggling to a 68 wRC+. He rebounded during his 13-game stint in the Arizona Fall League, hitting .304 with a .764 OPS.

Despite the apparent slump he fell into at the end of the season, there were still plenty of green flags to be excited about. While the power didn’t translate in his short spell (1 home run), his walk and strikeout rates improved pretty drastically following the promotion. He managed to cut his strikeout rate by over 6%, and the walk rate jumped up by a point. A .231 BABIP during that time indicates he may have been the victim of some bad luck in Springfield.

The catcher position is arguably the deepest spot in the Cardinals organization right now. Bernal may turn out to have similar levels of production to Contreras. A projection of .260, 15-20 home runs and solid defense doesn’t seem too outlandish, and his promotion timeline lines up with the expiration of the veteran’s contract. Should Contreras and the Cardinals choose to part ways down the line, there are options, like Bernal in the minors who could fill his role.

 

4) Quinn Matthews – SP, 24 YO

2024 Stats (A, A+, AA, AAA):  143.1 IP/ 2.76 ERA / 0.98 WHIP / 202 SO

The former Stanford standout broke out in 2024, putting himself into the conversation alongside Hence for who should be considered the organization’s top pitching prospect. Matthews made his case and then some in 2024, leading the organization in K% (35.4%), FIP (2.72) and average against (.178). The 23-year-old southpaw traveled to every level of the minors in 2024, starting in Single-A and ending the year just one level away from a Major League debut.

Matthews’ arsenal is ready to be tested against the best of the best. His mid-90s four-seamer (94.4 AVG) plays up in the zone to both lefties and righties due to the 3/4 delivery that he utilizes. His unique arm slot also allows his offspeed pitches to perform better as they appear nearly identical to the heater out of the hand. The slider (50% whiff rate) and changeup (55%) are the most dangerous offerings in his repertoire. The sweeping horizontal on the breaker runs away from lefties, and way in to righties, generating some ugly looking swings. The change is primarily effective on the outer half of the plate to right-handers and generates plenty of misses and weak contact. Mathews also has a curve (8%)  and a sinker (2%) that he sparingly uses, but the success of his stuff relies on the three pitches mentioned previously.

 

5) Michael McGreevy – SP, 24 Y/O

2024 Stats (AAA):  150.0 IP/ 4.02 ERA / 1.31 WHIP /138 SO

2024 MLB Stats: 23.0 IP/ 1.93 ERA / 0.78 WHIP / 18 SO

The 24-year-old right-hander was very impressive in his short stint in the Major Leagues last season. In four games with the big league club (three starts), McGreevy allowed five earned runs in 23 innings. The best game of his Major League career came on September 29th against the Giants where he went eight innings, allowing just one run and striking out six. In the small sample size, he held hitters to .193 average, which would have ranked 3rd in the Majors in 2024 over a full season.

McGreevy’s six-pitch mix proved to be effective against Major League competition, particularly his sinker/slider combo. Both pitches held hitters to averages well under .200, and the horizontal movement differences between the two give hitters fits. While the sinker’s whiff rate is less-than-stellar (6%), it plays well on the glove side and sets up plenty of ugly swings with the slider (34.5% whiff). The heater isn’t too bad either, as it keeps hitters honest up in the zone and sets up whiffs with the aforementioned combination in the bottom half. McGreevy excels at keeping runnings off of the basepaths and limiting hard contact (2.3 BB%, 4.6% barrel rate), and his 6’7″ extension distance allows his velocity to play up from the 91-93 range he sits at.

McGreevy is likely going to have the most Major League innings of anyone on this list due to the success he had with the Cardinals last season. If St. Louis stands pat with their current roster, McGreevy will be competing for a rotation spot in spring camp. With the Cardinal rotation facing some question marks in 2025, McGreevy should have plenty of opportunities to lock down a consistent spot in the pitching staff.

 

6) Jimmy Crooks III – C, 23 YO

2024 MiLB Stats (AA): .321/.410/.498/11 HR/ 4 SB/21.0 K%/11.6 BB%

Crooks is the second catcher that flew up the rankings list over the course of the season. The 23-year-old backstop was one of the best offensive catchers in minor league baseball last season. Crooks finished with the fourth-highest wRC+ among players with more than 350 at-bats (156) and had the sixth-best OPS (.908). In 288 career games in the Cardinals organization, he’s hitting .290 with an .844 OPS, and will likely start next year as the #1 catching option in AAA.

As good as his bat was in 2024, his glove was arguably better. Crooks only allowed seven passed balls in 638 innings of work behind the dish, which would put him in the top 20 among Major League catchers. He also excelled at preventing steals, gunning down just under 50% of would-be base swipers last season. Crooks possesses a cannon for a right arm and a smooth swing from the left side. Crooks’ open stance, in tandem with a quick, powerful stroke, generates plus power that could translate to 20+ home runs at the next level.

 

7) Thomas Saggese – INF, 23 YO

2024 MiLB Stats (AAA): .253/.313/.438/20 HR/ 9 SB/23.1 K%/5.9 BB%

2024 MLB Stats: .204/.250/.306/1 HR/0 SB/26.9 K%/3.8 BB%

On September 10th, Saggese was called up to make his Major League debut with the St. Louis Cardinals against the Cincinnati Reds. It took him until the final game of that series to get his first hit, going 2-4 with an RBI at Busch Stadium on the 12th. The next day, Saggese’s first home run left the Rogers Centre in Toronto at 102 miles per hour. That would be his 21st and final long ball of the season.

All things considered, outside of the MLB debut, last season was slightly disappointing for Saggese. His wRC+ dropped 40 points between ’23 and ’24 (133 to 93), and he regressed in nearly every major statistic. Like many other young players, Saggese had trouble adapting to Major League pitching, managing a wRC+ of just 57 in his 18-game audition in the Major Leagues. The good news is that he still displayed all of the tools that put him near the top of the Cardinals’ prospect rankings. The 20+ power potential is still there, and he managed 49 total extra-base hits in 143 games. Saggese will need to improve on his 4% Major League walk rate next season, but he should be afforded plenty of time to do so.

St. Louis has spent plenty of time in the rumor mill this offseason. Nolan Arenado has been placed on the trade block, but finding a team that the veteran will waive his no-trade clause for has been a challenge. Arenado reportedly blocked a trade to the Astros last month, so for now he remains on the roster. Should the Cardinals find a trade partner, the door opens for Saggese to claim a place on the 2025 Opening Day roster despite his struggles last season.

 

Prospects Dynasty Managers Should Know

 

8) Chase Davis – OF, 23 YO

2024 MiLB Stats (A, A+, AA): .252/.349/.417/12 HR/ 9 SB/23.8 K%/11.6 BB%

The former #21 overall pick is looking more and more like a steal for the Cardinals. After a 34-game run in Single-A where he struggled to a .218/.366/.269 slash line, he rebounded nicely in 2024. Davis put up a 119 wRC+ over three levels, good enough for 5th in the organization (min. 400 PAs). He possesses 15-homer power, in tandem with plus plate discipline and defense good enough to stick in the outfield. Davis may not reach the lofty expectations placed on him to become a franchise cornerstone, but he should be a reliable outfield option for the Cardinals within the next two seasons.

 

9) Tekoah Roby – SP, 23 YO

2024 Stats  (A, AA):  38.1 IP/ 6.57 ERA / 1.62 WHIP /39 SO

2024 was not kind to Tekoah Roby. The 22-year-old lefty made just seven appearances in AA before being shut down with an injury. His AA numbers are a far cry from what they were in ’23. His 6.57 ERA ranks in the bottom 15 among pitchers at that level with more than 30 innings. Roby’s walk and strikeout rates were both consistent with his past performance (22% K, 8% BB), but he allowed a .296 average which drove up his ERA. He also missed over three months of action recovering from a shoulder issue, which halted his development this season. Roby lost a year of development in 2024 and will need a strong performance next season to reassert himself as a top pitching prospect in the organization.

 

10) Travis Honeyman – OF, 23 YO

2024 MiLB Stats (CPX, A): .342/.412/.493/0 HR/ 2 SB/13.4 K%/9.8 BB%

The former Boston College standout has been impressive for the Cardinals when he’s on the field, but that hasn’t been often so far in his career. After being drafted in the third round in 2023, he’s played just 20 minor league games because of injury. The 23-year-old still possesses solid offensive tools, and used them to put up a 156 wRC+ in his limited time. The Cardinals will play the waiting game with Honeyman for now, but at 23, a healthy and productive season could accelerate his arrival in the show.

 

11) Cooper Hjerpe – SP, 23 YO

2024 Stats (A+, AA):  52.1 IP/ 3.27 ERA / 1.13 WHIP / 76 SO

Once again, Hjerpe’s ability to demonstrate his immense talent was limited by injury. The southpaw slinger was shut down with an elbow injury in early July, ending his stellar season prematurely. Up until that point, Hjerpe was holding hitters to a .170 average and striking out over 35% of his batters. There’s no question that the 23-year-old has the talent to stick in the Cardinals’ rotation, but he just can’t seem to stay healthy long enough to force a promotion.

 

12) Rainiel Rodriguez – C, 17 YO

2024 MiLB Stats (DSL): .345/.462/.683/10 HR/ 1 SB/13.6 K%/16.3 BB%

The third catcher on this list is arguably the most intriguing of the trio. At just 17, Rodriguez dominated the Dominican Summer League to the tune of a 186 wRC+ in 41 games. This ranking may be a tad aggressive considering the tiny sample size available, but any time a catcher hits 10 home runs and has an OPS of 1.145, it garners attention. The transition to professional ball in the United States can be challenging, and some regression is expected. However, Rodriguez’s early career numbers show signs of a potential superstar emerging in a few years.

 

13) Won-Bin Cho – OF, 21 YO

2024 MiLB Stats (A+): .227/.307/.305/2 HR/ 13 SB/31.3 K%/8.4 BB%

Let’s not mince words, Cho’s 2024 campaign was disappointing. The 21-year-old outfielder regressed in nearly every offensive category. He set a career low in wRC+ (81) and OPS (.612), in addition to his homer and steal totals dropping to a fraction of his 2023 marks. Despite the struggles that Cho faced, the tools he possesses warrant keeping him in mind for the future. Cho’s top exit velocity is reported to exceed to 110 mile per hour mark, putting him among fellow young outfielders Jackson Chourio and Corbin Carroll. If Cho can continue to tap into his power and return to his 2023 form on the basepaths (32 SBs), he will fly up ranking lists next season.

 

14) Sem Robberse – SP, 23 YO

2024 Stats (A+, AA):  90.1 IP/ 4.38 ERA / 1.25 WHIP / 80 SO

This spot could have gone to a number of different pitchers. Max Rajcic, Gordon Graceffo, and Ian Bedell were all considered for this spot and the spots around it. However, Robberse won out because his ceiling is a middle-of-the-rotation spot, while the other arms’ future likely resides in the bullpen. The 23-year-old Dutch national possesses a unique repertoire that garnished mixed results in 2024. His changeup is his best offering (41% whiff, .161 AVG), but he only throws it 18% of the time. His slider and cutter are both solid and generate decent outcomes, while his four-seamer needs tweaking before being put up against MLB hitters. Robberse missed significant time in 2024 due to injury, so health is a concern going forward. Although, if he can stay healthy, he will compete for starts at Busch Stadium come the summertime.

 

15) Zach Levenson – OF, 22 YO

2024 MiLB Stats (A+): .215/.317/.367/8 HR/ 7 SB/22.8 K%/11.2 BB%

The former University of Miami outfielder is the fourth member of the Cardinals’ 2023 Draft Class to feature on this list. Levenson’s numbers weren’t amazing in 2024, but there are signs that he could be on the verge of a breakout in 2025. The 22-year-old outfielder managed a slash of just .215/.316/.367 in 70 games at High-A before being shut down in July due to injury. His eight home runs are his lowest total since his first season with the Hurricanes in college. On the bright side, Levenson’s walk and strikeout rates were both pretty good and provide a solid floor to build on next season. He’s got a long way to go before being considered for the Major League team, but Levenson is a player to keep an eye on next season.

 

The Next Five

 

Although these prospects do not crack the top 15, dynasty managers should keep their eye on these five players.

Jeremy Rivas – 6’1″, 21-year-old shortstop who spent the full season at AA Springfield. Solid strikeout and walk rates to go with 25+ steal capability. Fell a few spots on the list due to a history of subpar power in the minors. Could grow into a solid player for fantasy if he can find 10+ homers a year.

Darlin Saladin – The 21-year-old righty just (and I mean JUST) missed out on the top 15. Saladin possesses one of the best fastballs in the entire system. At ~94 miles an hour, it plays more like 97-98 because of the flat travel path toward the top of the zone from a low release angle. Career 3.14 ERA in 66 minor league appearances, striking out 266 in 258 innings.

Zack Showalter – The 20-year-old right-handed pitcher was used primarily as a starter in ’23, but moved to the ‘pen last season and was incredibly successful. Pitched to a 2.62 ERA (2.48 FIP) in 24 appearances in Single-A. Struck out over 15 batters per nine innings. Two pitch repertoire needs work before a possible move back into the rotation.

Yairo Padilla – 17-year-old shortstop who played 35 games in the Dominican Summer League last season. Switch-hitter who put up a solid .795 OPS and 121 wRC+ with good walk and strikeout rates. At least 4-5 years away from being ready for a call-up to the show, but his career as a Cardinal is off to a good start.

Chen Wei Lin – A 6’7″ starter with a fastball in the mid-to-high 90s? Sign me up. The 23-year-old was very good in 22 starts in Single-A last season, striking out 123 batters in 116 innings. Four-pitch mix also includes a splitter and slider that could become weapons in the future. Control was a major issue in 2023 (8.49 BB/9), but took a massive step forward this year (2.79 in ’24).

 

Jack Mueller

Jack Mueller is a graduate student at Miami University studying Sport Management. Before joining PitcherList, Jack worked for the Orleans Firebirds (Cape Cod Baseball League) and the Chicago Dogs (American Association) as an advance scout and data analyst.

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