Minor League Pitchers in the Cardinals System to Get Excited About

[ggnoobs]

The Cardinals have a pretty good stash of exciting pitchers in the system who are close / getting close to being major league ready. In no particular order:

Brycen Mautz:

Had a really good season this past year at AA Springfield. He went 8-3 with a 2.98 ERA and 134k's in 114.2 Inning pitched. Definitely took a big step forward this year. Seems like he's destined for AAA in 2026, but I hope we get to see him in Spring training.

Ixan Henderson:

Was maybe the best pitcher in the Texas League (AA) this past season. He led the league in ERA. His stats: 9-7 with a 2.59 ERA with 134 k's in 132 innings. He was no slouch in 2024 either when he went 8-4 with a 2.34 ERA and 105 k's in 104 innings across A and A+. Career 2.44 ERA in the minors in 239.2 innings pitched.

Braden Davis:

Very nice strikeout pitcher with great success across A and A+ this past year. I assume he is destined for AA in 2026. in 2025 he went 5-3 with a 2.85 ERA and 153 k's in 110.1 innings pitched. That's a K per 9 of 12.5! His Hits per 9 was only 5.3 and Homeruns per 9 was 0.5 - All excellent. his struggle is BB per 9 which was 6.4. If he can dial the control in a little, he can be an all star level starter. 12.5 K/9 over a 200 inning season is 278K's!!!


Quinn Matthews:

The darling of 2024 took a little step backwards in 2025, but was still really good. He had some health problems whichi limited him to only 99.0 Innings, but he finished with a record of 4-7 with a 3.73 ERA and 115 K's. Hopefully a HEALTHY Matthews will fight hi way into a rotation spot in 2026 for the MLB team.


Tekoah Roby:

Health, or lack thereof, has been the story of Roby for the last few years. He took great strides this past year though across AA and AAA. He finished with a 7-4 record, a 3.10 ERA and 87 K's in 78.1 innings pitched. It seems he will have a chance in spring training to gun for the rotation as well.


Tink Hence:

Don't give up on him yet. He's still only 23 years old. Yes, health has been bad. Yes, maybe he's better suited for the bullpen. But when healthy he's still really good. Pitched this year across 4 levels Rookie - AA to the tune of a 2.95 ERA and 24 k's in 21.1 innings. Career ERA in the minors of 3.25 over 257.1 innings and 327 K's in that period. If healthy, 2026 could be a big step forward and he could find himself knocking on the door in St. Louis.


That's 6 arms not named Doyle that I am excited about. I think the Cardinals could find themselves in a nice position with some real homegrown talent int he rotation for the next 5 years.

Who would you add to the list?

[sikeston bulldog2]

The Cardinals have a pretty good stash of exciting pitchers in the system who are close / getting close to being major league ready. In no particular order:

Brycen Mautz:

Had a really good season this past year at AA Springfield. He went 8-3 with a 2.98 ERA and 134k's in 114.2 Inning pitched. Definitely took a big step forward this year. Seems like he's destined for AAA in 2026, but I hope we get to see him in Spring training.

Ixan Henderson:

Was maybe the best pitcher in the Texas League (AA) this past season. He led the league in ERA. His stats: 9-7 with a 2.59 ERA with 134 k's in 132 innings. He was no slouch in 2024 either when he went 8-4 with a 2.34 ERA and 105 k's in 104 innings across A and A+. Career 2.44 ERA in the minors in 239.2 innings pitched.

Braden Davis:

Very nice strikeout pitcher with great success across A and A+ this past year. I assume he is destined for AA in 2026. in 2025 he went 5-3 with a 2.85 ERA and 153 k's in 110.1 innings pitched. That's a K per 9 of 12.5! His Hits per 9 was only 5.3 and Homeruns per 9 was 0.5 - All excellent. his struggle is BB per 9 which was 6.4. If he can dial the control in a little, he can be an all star level starter. 12.5 K/9 over a 200 inning season is 278K's!!!


Quinn Matthews:

The darling of 2024 took a little step backwards in 2025, but was still really good. He had some health problems whichi limited him to only 99.0 Innings, but he finished with a record of 4-7 with a 3.73 ERA and 115 K's. Hopefully a HEALTHY Matthews will fight hi way into a rotation spot in 2026 for the MLB team.


Tekoah Roby:

Health, or lack thereof, has been the story of Roby for the last few years. He took great strides this past year though across AA and AAA. He finished with a 7-4 record, a 3.10 ERA and 87 K's in 78.1 innings pitched. It seems he will have a chance in spring training to gun for the rotation as well.


Tink Hence:

Don't give up on him yet. He's still only 23 years old. Yes, health has been bad. Yes, maybe he's better suited for the bullpen. But when healthy he's still really good. Pitched this year across 4 levels Rookie - AA to the tune of a 2.95 ERA and 24 k's in 21.1 innings. Career ERA in the minors of 3.25 over 257.1 innings and 327 K's in that period. If healthy, 2026 could be a big step forward and he could find himself knocking on the door in St. Louis.


That's 6 arms not named Doyle that I am excited about. I think the Cardinals could find themselves in a nice position with some real homegrown talent int he rotation for the next 5 years.

Who would you add to the list?

I may just subtract several names for a power bat. I’d still have four on your list and the current staff plus new additions.

[Cardinals4Life]

The Cardinals have a pretty good stash of exciting pitchers in the system who are close / getting close to being major league ready. In no particular order:

Brycen Mautz:

Had a really good season this past year at AA Springfield. He went 8-3 with a 2.98 ERA and 134k's in 114.2 Inning pitched. Definitely took a big step forward this year. Seems like he's destined for AAA in 2026, but I hope we get to see him in Spring training.

Ixan Henderson:

Was maybe the best pitcher in the Texas League (AA) this past season. He led the league in ERA. His stats: 9-7 with a 2.59 ERA with 134 k's in 132 innings. He was no slouch in 2024 either when he went 8-4 with a 2.34 ERA and 105 k's in 104 innings across A and A+. Career 2.44 ERA in the minors in 239.2 innings pitched.

Braden Davis:

Very nice strikeout pitcher with great success across A and A+ this past year. I assume he is destined for AA in 2026. in 2025 he went 5-3 with a 2.85 ERA and 153 k's in 110.1 innings pitched. That's a K per 9 of 12.5! His Hits per 9 was only 5.3 and Homeruns per 9 was 0.5 - All excellent. his struggle is BB per 9 which was 6.4. If he can dial the control in a little, he can be an all star level starter. 12.5 K/9 over a 200 inning season is 278K's!!!


Quinn Matthews:

The darling of 2024 took a little step backwards in 2025, but was still really good. He had some health problems whichi limited him to only 99.0 Innings, but he finished with a record of 4-7 with a 3.73 ERA and 115 K's. Hopefully a HEALTHY Matthews will fight hi way into a rotation spot in 2026 for the MLB team.


Tekoah Roby:

Health, or lack thereof, has been the story of Roby for the last few years. He took great strides this past year though across AA and AAA. He finished with a 7-4 record, a 3.10 ERA and 87 K's in 78.1 innings pitched. It seems he will have a chance in spring training to gun for the rotation as well.


Tink Hence:

Don't give up on him yet. He's still only 23 years old. Yes, health has been bad. Yes, maybe he's better suited for the bullpen. But when healthy he's still really good. Pitched this year across 4 levels Rookie - AA to the tune of a 2.95 ERA and 24 k's in 21.1 innings. Career ERA in the minors of 3.25 over 257.1 innings and 327 K's in that period. If healthy, 2026 could be a big step forward and he could find himself knocking on the door in St. Louis.


That's 6 arms not named Doyle that I am excited about. I think the Cardinals could find themselves in a nice position with some real homegrown talent int he rotation for the next 5 years.

Who would you add to the list?

Isn't Roby out most of next year after surgery?

[ggnoobs]

The Cardinals have a pretty good stash of exciting pitchers in the system who are close / getting close to being major league ready. In no particular order:

Brycen Mautz:

Had a really good season this past year at AA Springfield. He went 8-3 with a 2.98 ERA and 134k's in 114.2 Inning pitched. Definitely took a big step forward this year. Seems like he's destined for AAA in 2026, but I hope we get to see him in Spring training.

Ixan Henderson:

Was maybe the best pitcher in the Texas League (AA) this past season. He led the league in ERA. His stats: 9-7 with a 2.59 ERA with 134 k's in 132 innings. He was no slouch in 2024 either when he went 8-4 with a 2.34 ERA and 105 k's in 104 innings across A and A+. Career 2.44 ERA in the minors in 239.2 innings pitched.

Braden Davis:

Very nice strikeout pitcher with great success across A and A+ this past year. I assume he is destined for AA in 2026. in 2025 he went 5-3 with a 2.85 ERA and 153 k's in 110.1 innings pitched. That's a K per 9 of 12.5! His Hits per 9 was only 5.3 and Homeruns per 9 was 0.5 - All excellent. his struggle is BB per 9 which was 6.4. If he can dial the control in a little, he can be an all star level starter. 12.5 K/9 over a 200 inning season is 278K's!!!


Quinn Matthews:

The darling of 2024 took a little step backwards in 2025, but was still really good. He had some health problems whichi limited him to only 99.0 Innings, but he finished with a record of 4-7 with a 3.73 ERA and 115 K's. Hopefully a HEALTHY Matthews will fight hi way into a rotation spot in 2026 for the MLB team.


Tekoah Roby:

Health, or lack thereof, has been the story of Roby for the last few years. He took great strides this past year though across AA and AAA. He finished with a 7-4 record, a 3.10 ERA and 87 K's in 78.1 innings pitched. It seems he will have a chance in spring training to gun for the rotation as well.


Tink Hence:

Don't give up on him yet. He's still only 23 years old. Yes, health has been bad. Yes, maybe he's better suited for the bullpen. But when healthy he's still really good. Pitched this year across 4 levels Rookie - AA to the tune of a 2.95 ERA and 24 k's in 21.1 innings. Career ERA in the minors of 3.25 over 257.1 innings and 327 K's in that period. If healthy, 2026 could be a big step forward and he could find himself knocking on the door in St. Louis.


That's 6 arms not named Doyle that I am excited about. I think the Cardinals could find themselves in a nice position with some real homegrown talent int he rotation for the next 5 years.

Who would you add to the list?

I may just subtract several names for a power bat. I’d still have four on your list and the current staff plus new additions.

For sure! Also, having these guys doesn't mean they shouldn't try to bring in an Ace or 2 in order to solidify the rebuild. If one of these 6 turns into a homegrown Ace, that's even better.

[craviduce]

Andrew Dutkanych IV ~ AD4, FOUR!!!!. Fully healthy (Vandy, drafted injured in 2024...paid him quite a bit to leave Vandy). Looked great in small spurts late last year.

Cade Crossland ~ waiting on his debut. Might be the LHP steal of the draft.

Tanner Franklin ~ converting to starter, incredible stuff, should be interesting this year.

Tyler Van Dyke ~ can he continue his surprising flash from post draft in August? Closer with Stetson.

Mason Molina ~ Braden Davis issues...throws a TON of pitches to each batter. Gets better with the control, he could become something....part of the trades from 2025 deadline.

Brian Holiday ~ while I'm not excited for him, I didn't like the pick in 2024, I AM excited for him to finally make a MLB debut. Part of the Frodo Draft class 2024...Flores chose our 2nd pick from Ok. State (BIG 12 Scout did some work in 2024 ) The barely 5'11", RHP was chosen in the 3rd round by the Cards.

Luis Gastelum ~ probably one of the BIGGEST names no one is talking about.... Mid 90's fastball mixed with best Change Up in all of Minor Leagues....creates so much swing and miss. Future Closer. Carried Springfield in the late innings in 2025. 5 outings ruined his ERA for the year, so looking at it won't paint the picture for you.

[carl racki]

The Cardinals have a pretty good stash of exciting pitchers in the system who are close / getting close to being major league ready. In no particular order:

Brycen Mautz:

Had a really good season this past year at AA Springfield. He went 8-3 with a 2.98 ERA and 134k's in 114.2 Inning pitched. Definitely took a big step forward this year. Seems like he's destined for AAA in 2026, but I hope we get to see him in Spring training.

Ixan Henderson:

Was maybe the best pitcher in the Texas League (AA) this past season. He led the league in ERA. His stats: 9-7 with a 2.59 ERA with 134 k's in 132 innings. He was no slouch in 2024 either when he went 8-4 with a 2.34 ERA and 105 k's in 104 innings across A and A+. Career 2.44 ERA in the minors in 239.2 innings pitched.

Braden Davis:

Very nice strikeout pitcher with great success across A and A+ this past year. I assume he is destined for AA in 2026. in 2025 he went 5-3 with a 2.85 ERA and 153 k's in 110.1 innings pitched. That's a K per 9 of 12.5! His Hits per 9 was only 5.3 and Homeruns per 9 was 0.5 - All excellent. his struggle is BB per 9 which was 6.4. If he can dial the control in a little, he can be an all star level starter. 12.5 K/9 over a 200 inning season is 278K's!!!


Quinn Matthews:

The darling of 2024 took a little step backwards in 2025, but was still really good. He had some health problems whichi limited him to only 99.0 Innings, but he finished with a record of 4-7 with a 3.73 ERA and 115 K's. Hopefully a HEALTHY Matthews will fight hi way into a rotation spot in 2026 for the MLB team.


Tekoah Roby:

Health, or lack thereof, has been the story of Roby for the last few years. He took great strides this past year though across AA and AAA. He finished with a 7-4 record, a 3.10 ERA and 87 K's in 78.1 innings pitched. It seems he will have a chance in spring training to gun for the rotation as well.


Tink Hence:

Don't give up on him yet. He's still only 23 years old. Yes, health has been bad. Yes, maybe he's better suited for the bullpen. But when healthy he's still really good. Pitched this year across 4 levels Rookie - AA to the tune of a 2.95 ERA and 24 k's in 21.1 innings. Career ERA in the minors of 3.25 over 257.1 innings and 327 K's in that period. If healthy, 2026 could be a big step forward and he could find himself knocking on the door in St. Louis.


That's 6 arms not named Doyle that I am excited about. I think the Cardinals could find themselves in a nice position with some real homegrown talent int he rotation for the next 5 years.

Who would you add to the list?

Isn't Roby out most of next year after surgery?

Yes. If Roby pitches in September it is a bonus. No factor for the big club in 2026.

[Cardinals4Life]

The Cardinals have a pretty good stash of exciting pitchers in the system who are close / getting close to being major league ready. In no particular order:

Brycen Mautz:

Had a really good season this past year at AA Springfield. He went 8-3 with a 2.98 ERA and 134k's in 114.2 Inning pitched. Definitely took a big step forward this year. Seems like he's destined for AAA in 2026, but I hope we get to see him in Spring training.

Ixan Henderson:

Was maybe the best pitcher in the Texas League (AA) this past season. He led the league in ERA. His stats: 9-7 with a 2.59 ERA with 134 k's in 132 innings. He was no slouch in 2024 either when he went 8-4 with a 2.34 ERA and 105 k's in 104 innings across A and A+. Career 2.44 ERA in the minors in 239.2 innings pitched.

Braden Davis:

Very nice strikeout pitcher with great success across A and A+ this past year. I assume he is destined for AA in 2026. in 2025 he went 5-3 with a 2.85 ERA and 153 k's in 110.1 innings pitched. That's a K per 9 of 12.5! His Hits per 9 was only 5.3 and Homeruns per 9 was 0.5 - All excellent. his struggle is BB per 9 which was 6.4. If he can dial the control in a little, he can be an all star level starter. 12.5 K/9 over a 200 inning season is 278K's!!!


Quinn Matthews:

The darling of 2024 took a little step backwards in 2025, but was still really good. He had some health problems whichi limited him to only 99.0 Innings, but he finished with a record of 4-7 with a 3.73 ERA and 115 K's. Hopefully a HEALTHY Matthews will fight hi way into a rotation spot in 2026 for the MLB team.


Tekoah Roby:

Health, or lack thereof, has been the story of Roby for the last few years. He took great strides this past year though across AA and AAA. He finished with a 7-4 record, a 3.10 ERA and 87 K's in 78.1 innings pitched. It seems he will have a chance in spring training to gun for the rotation as well.


Tink Hence:

Don't give up on him yet. He's still only 23 years old. Yes, health has been bad. Yes, maybe he's better suited for the bullpen. But when healthy he's still really good. Pitched this year across 4 levels Rookie - AA to the tune of a 2.95 ERA and 24 k's in 21.1 innings. Career ERA in the minors of 3.25 over 257.1 innings and 327 K's in that period. If healthy, 2026 could be a big step forward and he could find himself knocking on the door in St. Louis.


That's 6 arms not named Doyle that I am excited about. I think the Cardinals could find themselves in a nice position with some real homegrown talent int he rotation for the next 5 years.

Who would you add to the list?

Isn't Roby out most of next year after surgery?

Yes. If Roby pitches in September it is a bonus. No factor for the big club in 2026.

Thanks!

[ggnoobs]

The Cardinals have a pretty good stash of exciting pitchers in the system who are close / getting close to being major league ready. In no particular order:

Brycen Mautz:

Had a really good season this past year at AA Springfield. He went 8-3 with a 2.98 ERA and 134k's in 114.2 Inning pitched. Definitely took a big step forward this year. Seems like he's destined for AAA in 2026, but I hope we get to see him in Spring training.

Ixan Henderson:

Was maybe the best pitcher in the Texas League (AA) this past season. He led the league in ERA. His stats: 9-7 with a 2.59 ERA with 134 k's in 132 innings. He was no slouch in 2024 either when he went 8-4 with a 2.34 ERA and 105 k's in 104 innings across A and A+. Career 2.44 ERA in the minors in 239.2 innings pitched.

Braden Davis:

Very nice strikeout pitcher with great success across A and A+ this past year. I assume he is destined for AA in 2026. in 2025 he went 5-3 with a 2.85 ERA and 153 k's in 110.1 innings pitched. That's a K per 9 of 12.5! His Hits per 9 was only 5.3 and Homeruns per 9 was 0.5 - All excellent. his struggle is BB per 9 which was 6.4. If he can dial the control in a little, he can be an all star level starter. 12.5 K/9 over a 200 inning season is 278K's!!!


Quinn Matthews:

The darling of 2024 took a little step backwards in 2025, but was still really good. He had some health problems whichi limited him to only 99.0 Innings, but he finished with a record of 4-7 with a 3.73 ERA and 115 K's. Hopefully a HEALTHY Matthews will fight hi way into a rotation spot in 2026 for the MLB team.


Tekoah Roby:

Health, or lack thereof, has been the story of Roby for the last few years. He took great strides this past year though across AA and AAA. He finished with a 7-4 record, a 3.10 ERA and 87 K's in 78.1 innings pitched. It seems he will have a chance in spring training to gun for the rotation as well.


Tink Hence:

Don't give up on him yet. He's still only 23 years old. Yes, health has been bad. Yes, maybe he's better suited for the bullpen. But when healthy he's still really good. Pitched this year across 4 levels Rookie - AA to the tune of a 2.95 ERA and 24 k's in 21.1 innings. Career ERA in the minors of 3.25 over 257.1 innings and 327 K's in that period. If healthy, 2026 could be a big step forward and he could find himself knocking on the door in St. Louis.


That's 6 arms not named Doyle that I am excited about. I think the Cardinals could find themselves in a nice position with some real homegrown talent int he rotation for the next 5 years.

Who would you add to the list?

Isn't Roby out most of next year after surgery?

Yes. If Roby pitches in September it is a bonus. No factor for the big club in 2026.

Yeah my bad on Roby. For some reason I thought he had returned last season from Tommy John. But you're right, he's out next season from Tommy John.

[Hoosier59]

A pitcher that I’m watching and have hopes that keeps improving is Hansel Rincon. He’ll be 24 yrs old in April, born in the Dominican. He’ll probably start out at Springfield where he made 8 starts last season. At 6’2” he isn’t small in height, but needs at on some weight. His K’s increased last year, while his walks went down. Maybe a sign he is gaining strength. He’s a right handed pitcher, which we are short on in the minors, at least at the top end of prospects. If he starts off well, he could be first man up to AAA, when they need someone.

[IndCard75]

I would add Clark and Fitts from the Sonny Gray trade.

Also, Libby and McGreevy both have a lot of years of control left.

[ramfandan]

A pair for me … Liam Doyle and Tanner Franklin
Our Tennessee Twosome !

Go Vols ! Go Cardinals!

[ICCFIM2]

The Cardinals have a pretty good stash of exciting pitchers in the system who are close / getting close to being major league ready. In no particular order:

Brycen Mautz:

Had a really good season this past year at AA Springfield. He went 8-3 with a 2.98 ERA and 134k's in 114.2 Inning pitched. Definitely took a big step forward this year. Seems like he's destined for AAA in 2026, but I hope we get to see him in Spring training.

Ixan Henderson:

Was maybe the best pitcher in the Texas League (AA) this past season. He led the league in ERA. His stats: 9-7 with a 2.59 ERA with 134 k's in 132 innings. He was no slouch in 2024 either when he went 8-4 with a 2.34 ERA and 105 k's in 104 innings across A and A+. Career 2.44 ERA in the minors in 239.2 innings pitched.

Braden Davis:

Very nice strikeout pitcher with great success across A and A+ this past year. I assume he is destined for AA in 2026. in 2025 he went 5-3 with a 2.85 ERA and 153 k's in 110.1 innings pitched. That's a K per 9 of 12.5! His Hits per 9 was only 5.3 and Homeruns per 9 was 0.5 - All excellent. his struggle is BB per 9 which was 6.4. If he can dial the control in a little, he can be an all star level starter. 12.5 K/9 over a 200 inning season is 278K's!!!


Quinn Matthews:

The darling of 2024 took a little step backwards in 2025, but was still really good. He had some health problems whichi limited him to only 99.0 Innings, but he finished with a record of 4-7 with a 3.73 ERA and 115 K's. Hopefully a HEALTHY Matthews will fight hi way into a rotation spot in 2026 for the MLB team.


Tekoah Roby:

Health, or lack thereof, has been the story of Roby for the last few years. He took great strides this past year though across AA and AAA. He finished with a 7-4 record, a 3.10 ERA and 87 K's in 78.1 innings pitched. It seems he will have a chance in spring training to gun for the rotation as well.


Tink Hence:

Don't give up on him yet. He's still only 23 years old. Yes, health has been bad. Yes, maybe he's better suited for the bullpen. But when healthy he's still really good. Pitched this year across 4 levels Rookie - AA to the tune of a 2.95 ERA and 24 k's in 21.1 innings. Career ERA in the minors of 3.25 over 257.1 innings and 327 K's in that period. If healthy, 2026 could be a big step forward and he could find himself knocking on the door in St. Louis.


That's 6 arms not named Doyle that I am excited about. I think the Cardinals could find themselves in a nice position with some real homegrown talent int he rotation for the next 5 years.

Who would you add to the list?

Nice summary. I am excited that we have three upside guys; Mathews, Mautz and Henderson that will be at Memphis in 2026 just a step away from the MLs. I am in no rush for the Cards to push them through to the MLs unless they are truly ready. I think it is fine if the Cards do not create any further depth than a starting 5 for 2026 and use each of these guys as a next man up in 2026. Each of them getting 3-5 ML starts in 2026 is probably a good thing for each of them. If Mathews gets his control in order, then he would be the guy that maybe shows he is ML ready by June or so and runs with it.

2026 Rotation
1. Liberatore
2. McGreevy
3. Fitts
4. ??
5. ??

I would like them to trade Pallante who apparently has some trade value. Obtain one more ML ready SP in a trade and sign a veteran for a 1 year deal in free agency to fill out 4 and 5 above. Then they can let the above guys do what I suggest.

BTW, you also forgot Liam Doyle on your list. I am not sure where he fits into the almost ML ready category or where they start him out for the year. I am guessing he starts out in Springfield?

[Talkin' Baseball]

I never know how to think about Chen Wei Lin. He has such a wide range of outcomes. Tremendous velocity, but he is getting older and hasn't really progressed like he should. It might be that he never pitches in the major leagues, or he could be really good. We still don't have any idea.

[brush back]

I'm kinda surprised no one has mentioned the 6'7" Chen Wei Lin. He seems very interesting to me.

[wschreiber]

I'll have my eye on Dutkanych, 22yr old righty, had first round grade, but was drafted in the 7th due to Tommy John. This is a sleeper who is now healthy. Got a long way to go, but might be worth watching. “Four jaw-dropping pitches”.

[Talkin' Baseball]

I'll have my eye on Dutkanych, 22yr old righty, had first round grade, but was drafted in the 7th due to Tommy John. This is a sleeper who is now healthy. Got a long way to go, but might be worth watching. “Four jaw-dropping pitches”.

Same. I wonder if he will start the season at low A, or high A?