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ramfandan wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:02 am Dobbins getting most of the attention

The youngest pitcher included in the Conteras trade, the 19-year-old Fajardo made his stateside debut this year after spending the 2024 MiLB season in the Dominican Summer League. Already ranked in Cardinals Top 10 list.
MLB Pipeline has Fajardo ranked 9th in the Cardinals system.


Fajardo logged 20 2/3 innings in the Florida Complex League, where he had a 0.44 ERA and 24 strikeouts, before joining Class Low-A Salem near the middle of June. Following his promotion, Fajardo sported a 2.98 ERA in 13 starts. He struck out 59 batters in 51 1/3 innings, walked 20 and held hitters to a .611 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Fajardo, who had a 27.8% strikeout rate in Class Low-A, flashed a fastball that hovered around 94 mph and peaked at 96 mph this past season. The average fastball velocity represented an increase from 2024, per Baseball America. Fajardo’ slider, changeup and overall control all received 55 grades on Baseball America’s scale of 80. Scouts believe there is room for the 19-year-old to add muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the White Sox in 2024, Fajardo was acquired by the Red Sox last December in a deal for lefty Cam Booser.

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:14 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:02 am Dobbins getting most of the attention

The youngest pitcher included in the Conteras trade, the 19-year-old Fajardo made his stateside debut this year after spending the 2024 MiLB season in the Dominican Summer League. Already ranked in Cardinals Top 10 list.
MLB Pipeline has Fajardo ranked 9th in the Cardinals system.


Fajardo logged 20 2/3 innings in the Florida Complex League, where he had a 0.44 ERA and 24 strikeouts, before joining Class Low-A Salem near the middle of June. Following his promotion, Fajardo sported a 2.98 ERA in 13 starts. He struck out 59 batters in 51 1/3 innings, walked 20 and held hitters to a .611 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Fajardo, who had a 27.8% strikeout rate in Class Low-A, flashed a fastball that hovered around 94 mph and peaked at 96 mph this past season. The average fastball velocity represented an increase from 2024, per Baseball America. Fajardo’ slider, changeup and overall control all received 55 grades on Baseball America’s scale of 80. Scouts believe there is room for the 19-year-old to add muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the White Sox in 2024, Fajardo was acquired by the Red Sox last December in a deal for lefty Cam Booser.

+1

Plenty of room at age 19 to grow both on and off the mound.

This kid could end up being the "gem" of this deal!

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:23 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:14 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:02 am Dobbins getting most of the attention

The youngest pitcher included in the Conteras trade, the 19-year-old Fajardo made his stateside debut this year after spending the 2024 MiLB season in the Dominican Summer League. Already ranked in Cardinals Top 10 list.
MLB Pipeline has Fajardo ranked 9th in the Cardinals system.


Fajardo logged 20 2/3 innings in the Florida Complex League, where he had a 0.44 ERA and 24 strikeouts, before joining Class Low-A Salem near the middle of June. Following his promotion, Fajardo sported a 2.98 ERA in 13 starts. He struck out 59 batters in 51 1/3 innings, walked 20 and held hitters to a .611 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Fajardo, who had a 27.8% strikeout rate in Class Low-A, flashed a fastball that hovered around 94 mph and peaked at 96 mph this past season. The average fastball velocity represented an increase from 2024, per Baseball America. Fajardo’ slider, changeup and overall control all received 55 grades on Baseball America’s scale of 80. Scouts believe there is room for the 19-year-old to add muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the White Sox in 2024, Fajardo was acquired by the Red Sox last December in a deal for lefty Cam Booser.

+1

Plenty of room at age 19 to grow both on and off the mound.

This kid could end up being the "gem" of this deal!

Agree and its guys like him and gray that you hope for in trades for gray and Contreras no one is going to give up their top prospects in those trades so go for low level raw players that have a ton of upside talent that you trust your new development system to bring along. Bloom is doing a good job so far. He and Clarke are already top 10 in cards system

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:31 am

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:23 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:14 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:02 am Dobbins getting most of the attention

The youngest pitcher included in the Conteras trade, the 19-year-old Fajardo made his stateside debut this year after spending the 2024 MiLB season in the Dominican Summer League. Already ranked in Cardinals Top 10 list.
MLB Pipeline has Fajardo ranked 9th in the Cardinals system.


Fajardo logged 20 2/3 innings in the Florida Complex League, where he had a 0.44 ERA and 24 strikeouts, before joining Class Low-A Salem near the middle of June. Following his promotion, Fajardo sported a 2.98 ERA in 13 starts. He struck out 59 batters in 51 1/3 innings, walked 20 and held hitters to a .611 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Fajardo, who had a 27.8% strikeout rate in Class Low-A, flashed a fastball that hovered around 94 mph and peaked at 96 mph this past season. The average fastball velocity represented an increase from 2024, per Baseball America. Fajardo’ slider, changeup and overall control all received 55 grades on Baseball America’s scale of 80. Scouts believe there is room for the 19-year-old to add muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the White Sox in 2024, Fajardo was acquired by the Red Sox last December in a deal for lefty Cam Booser.

+1

Plenty of room at age 19 to grow both on and off the mound.

This kid could end up being the "gem" of this deal!

Agree and its guys like him and gray that you hope for in trades for gray and Contreras no one is going to give up their top prospects in those trades so go for low level raw players that have a ton of upside talent that you trust your new development system to bring along. Bloom is doing a good job so far. He and Clarke are already top 10 in cards system

100% ozzie

Hard to understand the complainers who seem to think Bloom just traded away 20-something S. Gray & WillyC instead of 36 yr old and soon to be be 34 yr old players well past their prime.

I liked both deals, acknowledging I know nothing about the kids we got back other than what I can read.

But trusting in the new brain trust to know what they're getting back and their potential for development into (hopefully) being Cardinals one day.

Ace wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:09 am I like the approach so far, but definitely understand why Boston was willing to send off both these players.

Whiff rate on fastballs in 2025:

Dobbins 11.9%
Yhoiker Fajardo 12.9%

Average is usually around 21-22%, this is considerably low. However, I like the makeup of both players, both can throw mid 90s and have an arsenal of breaking pitches. Hopefully they can improve on their fastballs.

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:31 am

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:23 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:14 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:02 am Dobbins getting most of the attention

The youngest pitcher included in the Conteras trade, the 19-year-old Fajardo made his stateside debut this year after spending the 2024 MiLB season in the Dominican Summer League. Already ranked in Cardinals Top 10 list.
MLB Pipeline has Fajardo ranked 9th in the Cardinals system.


Fajardo logged 20 2/3 innings in the Florida Complex League, where he had a 0.44 ERA and 24 strikeouts, before joining Class Low-A Salem near the middle of June. Following his promotion, Fajardo sported a 2.98 ERA in 13 starts. He struck out 59 batters in 51 1/3 innings, walked 20 and held hitters to a .611 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Fajardo, who had a 27.8% strikeout rate in Class Low-A, flashed a fastball that hovered around 94 mph and peaked at 96 mph this past season. The average fastball velocity represented an increase from 2024, per Baseball America. Fajardo’ slider, changeup and overall control all received 55 grades on Baseball America’s scale of 80. Scouts believe there is room for the 19-year-old to add muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the White Sox in 2024, Fajardo was acquired by the Red Sox last December in a deal for lefty Cam Booser.

+1

Plenty of room at age 19 to grow both on and off the mound.

This kid could end up being the "gem" of this deal!

Agree and its guys like him and gray that you hope for in trades for gray and Contreras no one is going to give up their top prospects in those trades so go for low level raw players that have a ton of upside talent that you trust your new development system to bring along. Bloom is doing a good job so far. He and Clarke are already top 10 in cards system

100% ozzie

Hard to understand the complainers who seem to think Bloom just traded away 20-something S. Gray & WillyC instead of 36 yr old and soon to be be 34 yr old players well past their prime.

I liked both deals, acknowledging I know nothing about the kids we got back other than what I can read.

But trusting in the new brain trust to know what they're getting back and their potential for development into (hopefully) being Cardinals one day.

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:31 am

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:23 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:14 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:02 am Dobbins getting most of the attention

The youngest pitcher included in the Conteras trade, the 19-year-old Fajardo made his stateside debut this year after spending the 2024 MiLB season in the Dominican Summer League. Already ranked in Cardinals Top 10 list.
MLB Pipeline has Fajardo ranked 9th in the Cardinals system.


Fajardo logged 20 2/3 innings in the Florida Complex League, where he had a 0.44 ERA and 24 strikeouts, before joining Class Low-A Salem near the middle of June. Following his promotion, Fajardo sported a 2.98 ERA in 13 starts. He struck out 59 batters in 51 1/3 innings, walked 20 and held hitters to a .611 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Fajardo, who had a 27.8% strikeout rate in Class Low-A, flashed a fastball that hovered around 94 mph and peaked at 96 mph this past season. The average fastball velocity represented an increase from 2024, per Baseball America. Fajardo’ slider, changeup and overall control all received 55 grades on Baseball America’s scale of 80. Scouts believe there is room for the 19-year-old to add muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the White Sox in 2024, Fajardo was acquired by the Red Sox last December in a deal for lefty Cam Booser.

+1

Plenty of room at age 19 to grow both on and off the mound.

This kid could end up being the "gem" of this deal!

Agree and its guys like him and gray that you hope for in trades for gray and Contreras no one is going to give up their top prospects in those trades so go for low level raw players that have a ton of upside talent that you trust your new development system to bring along. Bloom is doing a good job so far. He and Clarke are already top 10 in cards system

100% ozzie

Hard to understand the complainers who seem to think Bloom just traded away 20-something S. Gray & WillyC instead of 36 yr old and soon to be be 34 yr old players well past their prime.

I liked both deals, acknowledging I know nothing about the kids we got back other than what I can read.

But trusting in the new brain trust to know what they're getting back and their potential for development into (hopefully) being Cardinals one day.

ramfandan wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 11:03 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:31 am

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:23 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:14 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:02 am Dobbins getting most of the attention

The youngest pitcher included in the Conteras trade, the 19-year-old Fajardo made his stateside debut this year after spending the 2024 MiLB season in the Dominican Summer League. Already ranked in Cardinals Top 10 list.
MLB Pipeline has Fajardo ranked 9th in the Cardinals system.


Fajardo logged 20 2/3 innings in the Florida Complex League, where he had a 0.44 ERA and 24 strikeouts, before joining Class Low-A Salem near the middle of June. Following his promotion, Fajardo sported a 2.98 ERA in 13 starts. He struck out 59 batters in 51 1/3 innings, walked 20 and held hitters to a .611 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Fajardo, who had a 27.8% strikeout rate in Class Low-A, flashed a fastball that hovered around 94 mph and peaked at 96 mph this past season. The average fastball velocity represented an increase from 2024, per Baseball America. Fajardo’ slider, changeup and overall control all received 55 grades on Baseball America’s scale of 80. Scouts believe there is room for the 19-year-old to add muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the White Sox in 2024, Fajardo was acquired by the Red Sox last December in a deal for lefty Cam Booser.

+1

Plenty of room at age 19 to grow both on and off the mound.

This kid could end up being the "gem" of this deal!

Agree and its guys like him and gray that you hope for in trades for gray and Contreras no one is going to give up their top prospects in those trades so go for low level raw players that have a ton of upside talent that you trust your new development system to bring along. Bloom is doing a good job so far. He and Clarke are already top 10 in cards system

100% ozzie

Hard to understand the complainers who seem to think Bloom just traded away 20-something S. Gray & WillyC instead of 36 yr old and soon to be be 34 yr old players well past their prime.

I liked both deals, acknowledging I know nothing about the kids we got back other than what I can read.

But trusting in the new brain trust to know what they're getting back and their potential for development into (hopefully) being Cardinals one day.

And 3 years from now when Contreras is 36 and probably trying to find a job somewhere as a DH guy or bench bat, Fajardo will be a filled-out 22 year old in his rookie or 2nd year on the big leagues.

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:14 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:02 am Dobbins getting most of the attention

The youngest pitcher included in the Conteras trade, the 19-year-old Fajardo made his stateside debut this year after spending the 2024 MiLB season in the Dominican Summer League. Already ranked in Cardinals Top 10 list.
MLB Pipeline has Fajardo ranked 9th in the Cardinals system.


Fajardo logged 20 2/3 innings in the Florida Complex League, where he had a 0.44 ERA and 24 strikeouts, before joining Class Low-A Salem near the middle of June. Following his promotion, Fajardo sported a 2.98 ERA in 13 starts. He struck out 59 batters in 51 1/3 innings, walked 20 and held hitters to a .611 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Fajardo, who had a 27.8% strikeout rate in Class Low-A, flashed a fastball that hovered around 94 mph and peaked at 96 mph this past season. The average fastball velocity represented an increase from 2024, per Baseball America. Fajardo’ slider, changeup and overall control all received 55 grades on Baseball America’s scale of 80. Scouts believe there is room for the 19-year-old to add muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the White Sox in 2024, Fajardo was acquired by the Red Sox last December in a deal for lefty Cam Booser.

+1

Plenty of room at age 19 to grow both on and off the mound.

This kid could end up being the "gem" of this deal!

82birds wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 11:13 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:14 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:02 am Dobbins getting most of the attention

The youngest pitcher included in the Conteras trade, the 19-year-old Fajardo made his stateside debut this year after spending the 2024 MiLB season in the Dominican Summer League. Already ranked in Cardinals Top 10 list.
MLB Pipeline has Fajardo ranked 9th in the Cardinals system.


Fajardo logged 20 2/3 innings in the Florida Complex League, where he had a 0.44 ERA and 24 strikeouts, before joining Class Low-A Salem near the middle of June. Following his promotion, Fajardo sported a 2.98 ERA in 13 starts. He struck out 59 batters in 51 1/3 innings, walked 20 and held hitters to a .611 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Fajardo, who had a 27.8% strikeout rate in Class Low-A, flashed a fastball that hovered around 94 mph and peaked at 96 mph this past season. The average fastball velocity represented an increase from 2024, per Baseball America. Fajardo’ slider, changeup and overall control all received 55 grades on Baseball America’s scale of 80. Scouts believe there is room for the 19-year-old to add muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the White Sox in 2024, Fajardo was acquired by the Red Sox last December in a deal for lefty Cam Booser.

+1

Plenty of room at age 19 to grow both on and off the mound.

This kid could end up being the "gem" of this deal!

fingers crossed

82birds wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 11:13 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:14 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:02 am Dobbins getting most of the attention

The youngest pitcher included in the Conteras trade, the 19-year-old Fajardo made his stateside debut this year after spending the 2024 MiLB season in the Dominican Summer League. Already ranked in Cardinals Top 10 list.
MLB Pipeline has Fajardo ranked 9th in the Cardinals system.


Fajardo logged 20 2/3 innings in the Florida Complex League, where he had a 0.44 ERA and 24 strikeouts, before joining Class Low-A Salem near the middle of June. Following his promotion, Fajardo sported a 2.98 ERA in 13 starts. He struck out 59 batters in 51 1/3 innings, walked 20 and held hitters to a .611 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Fajardo, who had a 27.8% strikeout rate in Class Low-A, flashed a fastball that hovered around 94 mph and peaked at 96 mph this past season. The average fastball velocity represented an increase from 2024, per Baseball America. Fajardo’ slider, changeup and overall control all received 55 grades on Baseball America’s scale of 80. Scouts believe there is room for the 19-year-old to add muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the White Sox in 2024, Fajardo was acquired by the Red Sox last December in a deal for lefty Cam Booser.

+1

Plenty of room at age 19 to grow both on and off the mound.

This kid could end up being the "gem" of this deal!

fingers crossed

Ace wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:09 am I like the approach so far, but definitely understand why Boston was willing to send off both these players.

Whiff rate on fastballs in 2025:

Dobbins 11.9%
Yhoiker Fajardo 12.9%

Average is usually around 21-22%, this is considerably low. However, I like the makeup of both players, both can throw mid 90s and have an arsenal of breaking pitches. Hopefully they can improve on their fastballs.

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:31 am

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:23 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 10:14 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:02 am Dobbins getting most of the attention

The youngest pitcher included in the Conteras trade, the 19-year-old Fajardo made his stateside debut this year after spending the 2024 MiLB season in the Dominican Summer League. Already ranked in Cardinals Top 10 list.
MLB Pipeline has Fajardo ranked 9th in the Cardinals system.


Fajardo logged 20 2/3 innings in the Florida Complex League, where he had a 0.44 ERA and 24 strikeouts, before joining Class Low-A Salem near the middle of June. Following his promotion, Fajardo sported a 2.98 ERA in 13 starts. He struck out 59 batters in 51 1/3 innings, walked 20 and held hitters to a .611 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Fajardo, who had a 27.8% strikeout rate in Class Low-A, flashed a fastball that hovered around 94 mph and peaked at 96 mph this past season. The average fastball velocity represented an increase from 2024, per Baseball America. Fajardo’ slider, changeup and overall control all received 55 grades on Baseball America’s scale of 80. Scouts believe there is room for the 19-year-old to add muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the White Sox in 2024, Fajardo was acquired by the Red Sox last December in a deal for lefty Cam Booser.

+1

Plenty of room at age 19 to grow both on and off the mound.

This kid could end up being the "gem" of this deal!

Agree and its guys like him and gray that you hope for in trades for gray and Contreras no one is going to give up their top prospects in those trades so go for low level raw players that have a ton of upside talent that you trust your new development system to bring along. Bloom is doing a good job so far. He and Clarke are already top 10 in cards system

100% ozzie

Hard to understand the complainers who seem to think Bloom just traded away 20-something S. Gray & WillyC instead of 36 yr old and soon to be be 34 yr old players well past their prime.

I liked both deals, acknowledging I know nothing about the kids we got back other than what I can read.

But trusting in the new brain trust to know what they're getting back and their potential for development into (hopefully) being Cardinals one day.

CCard wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 11:42 am

Ace wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 09:09 am I like the approach so far, but definitely understand why Boston was willing to send off both these players.

Whiff rate on fastballs in 2025:

Dobbins 11.9%
Yhoiker Fajardo 12.9%

Average is usually around 21-22%, this is considerably low. However, I like the makeup of both players, both can throw mid 90s and have an arsenal of breaking pitches. Hopefully they can improve on their fastballs.

The minor leagues is littered with guys like these. Maybe one will be a lottery ticket, probably not though. You can pick these guys up in the rule 5 all the time. This was a salary dump, plain and simple. They haven't forced enough losing on the "spoiled" Cards fans. Got to make them appreciate when they spend money to win. LOL "They've coddled these fans too much!"