Are Doyle and Franklin still a year or more away?

[Shady]

The Cardinals pitching staff could sure use some help from some flame-throwers that miss a lot of bats. They aren't likely to make the club out of spring training. But could both Doyle and Franklin reach AAA later in the season? And be on the doorstep of a call up.

[craviduce]

Every single draftee could make AAA next year and be on the door step

so..."Yes"



Franklin has never had starter innings...so his ONLY focus is stretching out, acquiring innings, and working on new secondary pitches in Peoria (likely starting spot). Rushing him to the majors isn't and won't be a priority.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Just my opinion, I think Doyle goes no farther than AAA next season and Franklin not beyond AA.

[Carp4Cy]

Just my opinion, I think Doyle goes no farther than AAA next season and Franklin not beyond AA.

What about Matthews?

[ramfandan]

One possible scenario for Doyle .. two things would need to happen IMO
1. Doyle looks very good this season and
2. Bloom picked up a starter that he decides to 'flip'' at the trade deadline for prospect . Then that opens up a spot in the rotation for Aug./sept.
and Doyle is called up for the final two months .

Just a thought on how Doyle could get a shot late in 2026 season for a couple months.

[rockondlouie]

Just my opinion, I think Doyle goes no farther than AAA next season and Franklin not beyond AA.

What about Matthews?

I think Mathews, if he stays healthy, has a strong shot at seeing ST. Louis some time in 2026.

Bloom doesn't like rushing young starters which means we might not see Doyle until 2027.

[Carp4Cy]

One possible scenario for Doyle .. two things would need to happen IMO
1. Doyle looks very good this season and
2. Bloom picked up a starter that he decides to 'flip'' at the trade deadline for prospect . Then that opens up a spot in the rotation for Aug./sept.
and Doyle is called up for the final two months .

Just a thought on how Doyle could get a shot late in 2026 season for a couple months.

what if Bloom picked up or traded for a SP who we could keep all year then give a QO to (and he declines in leiu of a guaranteed multiyear offer later from someone) and we receive a valuable comp pick as a worst case - or best case extend a very good SP for enough years to cover our entire competitive window of 2027-2030+ ? And then we add Doyle as well in either 2026 or 2027 and have 2 TORs?

[Talkin' Baseball]

Just my opinion, I think Doyle goes no farther than AAA next season and Franklin not beyond AA.

What about Matthews?

Just one fan's opinion, but I think they start him at AAA next season. (If I were giving odds, I'd put it at 80%) If his shoulder is healthy and he can cut down on the walks I would see them promoting him at that time. Not impossible that he breaks camp with the Cards, but he is going to have to "wow" somebody.

[hugeCardfan]

Cade Crossland is another one to get a little excited about. His change up works well off of his 98 mph fastball. Like Doyle and Franklin, he'll need to develop his offspeed and improve control, but seems to have a shot at the majors as a starter.

[craviduce]

Cade Crossland is another one to get a little excited about. His change up works well off of his 98 mph fastball. Like Doyle and Franklin, he'll need to develop his offspeed and improve control, but seems to have a shot at the majors as a starter.

yep, HCF...CC is on my list of LHP depth. Can't wait for his debut. I'll have to catch up on the prospects this summer.

[okcardfan]

Don't you think it's just a little early to have an informed discussion on this topic?

Self-control is a nice thing to strive for.

[hugeCardfan]

Cade Crossland is another one to get a little excited about. His change up works well off of his 98 mph fastball. Like Doyle and Franklin, he'll need to develop his offspeed and improve control, but seems to have a shot at the majors as a starter.

yep, HCF...CC is on my list of LHP depth. Can't wait for his debut. I'll have to catch up on the prospects this summer.

Another interesting draft was #5, Ethan Young. The Cards paid him 160K over slot to sign him there. He has high velocity FB and a stand out slider. He might be a tier down from Crossland, Doyle and Franklin but, TCN's Brian Walton and Kyle Reis think he might be the steal of the draft.

[Basil Shabazz]

Hopefully, one day we’ll finally develop our own Skenes or Savage.

I don’t care much about arbitrary timelines — just performance. If Doyle shoves in AA for 7–8 starts, then goes to Memphis and keeps dealing for another 4–5, I’d have absolutely no problem calling him up to St. Louis after the All-Star break.

[MrPostman01]

Doyle was the second ranked prospect on many gurus draft sheets.
He will be up in 2026.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Doyle was the second ranked prospect on many gurus draft sheets.
He will be up in 2026.

Count me doubtful. 1) He needs to work on developing secondary pitches, 2) There is no need to call him up next season, 3) If he is not on the major league roster when the lockout begins he can continue to pitch. The experience he would gain doesn't offset these things.

[NYCardsFan]

We’re just one good Spring Training outing away from Shady demanding that Doyle make the opening day roster, claiming, as usual, that he is the “only one” who “believes in” Doyle against all the “doubters,” “skeptics,” and “haters” who want him to continue to develop in the minors.