2026 Cardinals Prospect Breakouts

[Talkin' Baseball]

In 2025 we are all aware of a few real breakouts we've had from players who super-charged their standing in the organization. I am thinking of Rainiel Rodriguez, Josh Baez, Brycen Mautz, and Ixan Henderson. Feel free to mention others if they come to mind. I have 3 picks to super-charge their standing next season, along with 2 hopes, and a question.

3 Super-Chargers
1) Yairo Padilla- I predict that if he stays healthy, then at this time next year he will be a top 5 Cardinal prospect, a top 100 MLB prospect, and perhaps even a top 50 MLB prospect.
2) Deniel Ortiz- I predict he will be top 10 Cardinal prospect and may make it all the way to AAA next season.
3)Andrew Dutkanych IV- I predict he will make it into the Cardinals top 20 prospects and may make it to AA if the roster isn't clogged ahead of him.

2 Hopes
1) Chen Wei Lin- Everyone loves his stuff, but he just hasn't put it all together yet. He's getting long in the tooth for a prospect. He is 24 and isn't ready to progress from AA yet. I hope the development system helps him figure it out. If he does, he will be a true asset.
2) Tink Hence- So many injuries, and so much mystery around his last injury. I'm beginning to wonder if he will ever throw a major league pitch. I hope the development system can help him figure out some strategies to stay healthy. The sky has always been the limit for him.

1 Question
1) Zach Levenson- Is he a prospect, or a suspect? Is it possible for him to make the Cardinals top 30 list by the end of next season? If so, the path is wide open for an OF that can produce. What say you?

[craviduce]

In 2025 we are all aware of a few real breakouts we've had from players who super-charged their standing in the organization. I am thinking of Rainiel Rodriguez, Josh Baez, Brycen Mautz, and Ixan Henderson. Feel free to mention others if they come to mind. I have 3 picks to super-charge their standing next season, along with 2 hopes, and a question.

1) Yairo Padilla- I predict that if he stays healthy, then at this time next year he will be a top 5 Cardinal prospect, a top 100 MLB prospect, and perhaps even a top 50 MLB prospect.
2) Deniel Ortiz- I predict he will be top 10 Cardinal prospect and may make it all the way to AAA next season.
3)Andrew Dutkanych IV- I predict he will make it into the Cardinals top 20 prospects and may make it to AA if the roster isn't clogged ahead of him.

2 Hopes
1) Chen Wei Lin- Everyone loves his stuff, but he just hasn't put it all together yet. He's getting long in the tooth for a prospect. He is 24 and isn't ready to progress from AA yet. I hope the development system helps him figure it out. If he does, the will be a true asset.
2) Tink Hence- So many injuries, and so much mystery around his last injury. I'm beginning to wonder if he will ever throw a major league pitch. I hope the development system can help him figure out some strategies to stay healthy. The sky has always been the limit for him.

1 Question
1) Zach Levenson- Is he a prospect, or a suspect? Is it possible for him to make the Cardinals top 30 list by the end of next season? If so, the path is wide open for an OF that can produce. What say you?

Good write up.

100% with you on Padilla. Was a big fan last year, will still be this year.

I'm an AD4 fan, he brought me Joy last year with a few starts...I went silly in the Min. League threads with "FOUR" everytime he would K someone. His rehab phase is done, now it's time for starter innings.

I kept an eye on Ortiz entering last year, FGM2 and I liked the pick in 2024...we were chomping at the bit to see him play. He made a lot of loud contact, and he took walks. What surprised me was his basestealing ability....that came out of nowhere for me. I don't know if he breaks out or not this year? Or just warms up some more, then takes the world by storm in 2027? Not sure.

My 3rd would be Tanner Franklin...develops a 3rd pitch to enhance his starter chances. 2.50 ERA across 2 systems (A+ and AA), jumping into every publications Top 100 lists. He'll be in a few this winter, but not all. By the ASB, he'll be a household name in the STL fandom.

[Talkin' Baseball]

In 2025 we are all aware of a few real breakouts we've had from players who super-charged their standing in the organization. I am thinking of Rainiel Rodriguez, Josh Baez, Brycen Mautz, and Ixan Henderson. Feel free to mention others if they come to mind. I have 3 picks to super-charge their standing next season, along with 2 hopes, and a question.

1) Yairo Padilla- I predict that if he stays healthy, then at this time next year he will be a top 5 Cardinal prospect, a top 100 MLB prospect, and perhaps even a top 50 MLB prospect.
2) Deniel Ortiz- I predict he will be top 10 Cardinal prospect and may make it all the way to AAA next season.
3)Andrew Dutkanych IV- I predict he will make it into the Cardinals top 20 prospects and may make it to AA if the roster isn't clogged ahead of him.

2 Hopes
1) Chen Wei Lin- Everyone loves his stuff, but he just hasn't put it all together yet. He's getting long in the tooth for a prospect. He is 24 and isn't ready to progress from AA yet. I hope the development system helps him figure it out. If he does, the will be a true asset.
2) Tink Hence- So many injuries, and so much mystery around his last injury. I'm beginning to wonder if he will ever throw a major league pitch. I hope the development system can help him figure out some strategies to stay healthy. The sky has always been the limit for him.

1 Question
1) Zach Levenson- Is he a prospect, or a suspect? Is it possible for him to make the Cardinals top 30 list by the end of next season? If so, the path is wide open for an OF that can produce. What say you?

Good write up.

100% with you on Padilla. Was a big fan last year, will still be this year.

I'm an AD4 fan, he brought me Joy last year with a few starts...I went silly in the Min. League threads with "FOUR" everytime he would K someone. His rehab phase is done, now it's time for starter innings.

I kept an eye on Ortiz entering last year, FGM2 and I liked the pick in 2024...we were chomping at the bit to see him play. He made a lot of loud contact, and he took walks. What surprised me was his basestealing ability....that came out of nowhere for me. I don't know if he breaks out or not this year? Or just warms up some more, then takes the world by storm in 2027? Not sure.

My 3rd would be Tanner Franklin...develops a 3rd pitch to enhance his starter chances. 2.50 ERA across 2 systems (A+ and AA), jumping into every publications Top 100 lists. He'll be in a few this winter, but not all. By the ASB, he'll be a household name in the STL fandom.

Good pick. He and Braden Davis made my honorable mention list. What are your thoughts on Levenson?

[craviduce]

In 2025 we are all aware of a few real breakouts we've had from players who super-charged their standing in the organization. I am thinking of Rainiel Rodriguez, Josh Baez, Brycen Mautz, and Ixan Henderson. Feel free to mention others if they come to mind. I have 3 picks to super-charge their standing next season, along with 2 hopes, and a question.

1) Yairo Padilla- I predict that if he stays healthy, then at this time next year he will be a top 5 Cardinal prospect, a top 100 MLB prospect, and perhaps even a top 50 MLB prospect.
2) Deniel Ortiz- I predict he will be top 10 Cardinal prospect and may make it all the way to AAA next season.
3)Andrew Dutkanych IV- I predict he will make it into the Cardinals top 20 prospects and may make it to AA if the roster isn't clogged ahead of him.

2 Hopes
1) Chen Wei Lin- Everyone loves his stuff, but he just hasn't put it all together yet. He's getting long in the tooth for a prospect. He is 24 and isn't ready to progress from AA yet. I hope the development system helps him figure it out. If he does, the will be a true asset.
2) Tink Hence- So many injuries, and so much mystery around his last injury. I'm beginning to wonder if he will ever throw a major league pitch. I hope the development system can help him figure out some strategies to stay healthy. The sky has always been the limit for him.

1 Question
1) Zach Levenson- Is he a prospect, or a suspect? Is it possible for him to make the Cardinals top 30 list by the end of next season? If so, the path is wide open for an OF that can produce. What say you?

Good write up.

100% with you on Padilla. Was a big fan last year, will still be this year.

I'm an AD4 fan, he brought me Joy last year with a few starts...I went silly in the Min. League threads with "FOUR" everytime he would K someone. His rehab phase is done, now it's time for starter innings.

I kept an eye on Ortiz entering last year, FGM2 and I liked the pick in 2024...we were chomping at the bit to see him play. He made a lot of loud contact, and he took walks. What surprised me was his basestealing ability....that came out of nowhere for me. I don't know if he breaks out or not this year? Or just warms up some more, then takes the world by storm in 2027? Not sure.

My 3rd would be Tanner Franklin...develops a 3rd pitch to enhance his starter chances. 2.50 ERA across 2 systems (A+ and AA), jumping into every publications Top 100 lists. He'll be in a few this winter, but not all. By the ASB, he'll be a household name in the STL fandom.

Good pick. He and Braden Davis made my honorable mention list. What are your thoughts on Levenson?

My assessment over the years, is that he constantly needs help in the lineup. AA isn't going to be fun for him until Deniel, Jesus, and Rainiel graduate Peoria sometime next season. He may put together a nice year with Springfield, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Both he and Petrutz need to get something going, or I fear one of them doesn't survive the ASB cuts or the Offseason Cuts. It sucks, that's the way it is now with Only 5 stateside affiliates....smaller Minor League rosters, and the players make a helluva a lot more money than they used to. Players spend half the time in Organizations than they used to... He may survive over Petrutz. Does he do enough this year to get protected from the R5 Draft? I don't think so.



Sorry.

[Talkin' Baseball]

In 2025 we are all aware of a few real breakouts we've had from players who super-charged their standing in the organization. I am thinking of Rainiel Rodriguez, Josh Baez, Brycen Mautz, and Ixan Henderson. Feel free to mention others if they come to mind. I have 3 picks to super-charge their standing next season, along with 2 hopes, and a question.

1) Yairo Padilla- I predict that if he stays healthy, then at this time next year he will be a top 5 Cardinal prospect, a top 100 MLB prospect, and perhaps even a top 50 MLB prospect.
2) Deniel Ortiz- I predict he will be top 10 Cardinal prospect and may make it all the way to AAA next season.
3)Andrew Dutkanych IV- I predict he will make it into the Cardinals top 20 prospects and may make it to AA if the roster isn't clogged ahead of him.

2 Hopes
1) Chen Wei Lin- Everyone loves his stuff, but he just hasn't put it all together yet. He's getting long in the tooth for a prospect. He is 24 and isn't ready to progress from AA yet. I hope the development system helps him figure it out. If he does, the will be a true asset.
2) Tink Hence- So many injuries, and so much mystery around his last injury. I'm beginning to wonder if he will ever throw a major league pitch. I hope the development system can help him figure out some strategies to stay healthy. The sky has always been the limit for him.

1 Question
1) Zach Levenson- Is he a prospect, or a suspect? Is it possible for him to make the Cardinals top 30 list by the end of next season? If so, the path is wide open for an OF that can produce. What say you?

Good write up.

100% with you on Padilla. Was a big fan last year, will still be this year.

I'm an AD4 fan, he brought me Joy last year with a few starts...I went silly in the Min. League threads with "FOUR" everytime he would K someone. His rehab phase is done, now it's time for starter innings.

I kept an eye on Ortiz entering last year, FGM2 and I liked the pick in 2024...we were chomping at the bit to see him play. He made a lot of loud contact, and he took walks. What surprised me was his basestealing ability....that came out of nowhere for me. I don't know if he breaks out or not this year? Or just warms up some more, then takes the world by storm in 2027? Not sure.

My 3rd would be Tanner Franklin...develops a 3rd pitch to enhance his starter chances. 2.50 ERA across 2 systems (A+ and AA), jumping into every publications Top 100 lists. He'll be in a few this winter, but not all. By the ASB, he'll be a household name in the STL fandom.

Good pick. He and Braden Davis made my honorable mention list. What are your thoughts on Levenson?

My assessment over the years, is that he constantly needs help in the lineup. AA isn't going to be fun for him until Deniel, Jesus, and Rainiel graduate Peoria sometime next season. He may put together a nice year with Springfield, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Both he and Petrutz need to get something going, or I fear one of them doesn't survive the ASB cuts or the Offseason Cuts. It sucks, that's the way it is now with Only 5 stateside affiliates....smaller Minor League rosters, and the players make a helluva a lot more money than they used to. Players spend half the time in Organizations than they used to... He may survive over Petrutz. Does he do enough this year to get protected from the R5 Draft? I don't think so.



Sorry.

It's alright. The news is the news. Now I know.

[ClassicO]

Nice heads-up on Andrew Dutkanych IV. I found this Rob Rains story from last summer. Great detail on his very rocky road and potential to be a difference maker - if he can finally stay healthy.

https://stlsportspage.com/2025/07/09/ye ... nal-debut/

[Talkin' Baseball]

Nice heads-up on Andrew Dutkanych IV. I found this Rob Rains story from last summer. Great detail on his very rocky road and potential to be a difference maker - if he can finally stay healthy.

https://stlsportspage.com/2025/07/09/ye ... nal-debut/

Thanks for the link.

[C-Unit]

Deniel Ortiz has been described as an "advanced hitter." He looks like a great piece to have as part of this system. My question would be, between Ortiz and Jesus Baez, which one would be more likely to develop into a major league 3rd baseman.

Baez played primarily SS with Peoria, which makes me think his defensive skills are surely good enough to play 3rd. I wonder if Ortiz will be closer to a 1B/DH type as he gets closer to the big leagues, and just plays 3B "for show" in the minors. Like how Allen Craig played some 3rd in the minors but ended up more at 1B/OF in the majors.

In other words, I have not seen either of them (Baez or Ortiz) play 3B.

I wonder if Jesus Baez can make himself into a factor. It would be interesting if we end up with so many good hitters between the 1B/DH/OF positions that all we need Jesus Baez to do is be a really great defensive 3B that can provide some extra base power out of the 7 slot in the lineup.

[C-Unit]

Chen-Wei Lin is definitely exciting. You definitely want to see some better control. The thing about him is he is absolutely unhittable. He has a bit of that Jordan Hicks quality too him, in the sense that he has that one pitch (the fastball, in Lin's case) that is so unhittable that it would probably play at the big league level if they hypothetically skipped him all the way to the big leagues like they did with Hicks. Not saying that's what they SHOULD do... but whenever he does make it I'm sure he will be the talk of baseball (how would a 6-7 Taiwanese component that throws 102 NOT be the talk of baseball).

[82birds]

Nice heads-up on Andrew Dutkanych IV. I found this Rob Rains story from last summer. Great detail on his very rocky road and potential to be a difference maker - if he can finally stay healthy.

https://stlsportspage.com/2025/07/09/ye ... nal-debut/

Thanks for the link.

yes, thanks CO

[Ozziesfan41]

Nice heads-up on Andrew Dutkanych IV. I found this Rob Rains story from last summer. Great detail on his very rocky road and potential to be a difference maker - if he can finally stay healthy.

https://stlsportspage.com/2025/07/09/ye ... nal-debut/

Thanks for the link.

Thanks for bringing him up talkin and thanks for
The link classic I had never even heard of him but seems like an interesting player if he can stay healthy

[82birds]

In 2025 we are all aware of a few real breakouts we've had from players who super-charged their standing in the organization. I am thinking of Rainiel Rodriguez, Josh Baez, Brycen Mautz, and Ixan Henderson. Feel free to mention others if they come to mind. I have 3 picks to super-charge their standing next season, along with 2 hopes, and a question.

1) Yairo Padilla- I predict that if he stays healthy, then at this time next year he will be a top 5 Cardinal prospect, a top 100 MLB prospect, and perhaps even a top 50 MLB prospect.
2) Deniel Ortiz- I predict he will be top 10 Cardinal prospect and may make it all the way to AAA next season.
3)Andrew Dutkanych IV- I predict he will make it into the Cardinals top 20 prospects and may make it to AA if the roster isn't clogged ahead of him.

2 Hopes
1) Chen Wei Lin- Everyone loves his stuff, but he just hasn't put it all together yet. He's getting long in the tooth for a prospect. He is 24 and isn't ready to progress from AA yet. I hope the development system helps him figure it out. If he does, the will be a true asset.
2) Tink Hence- So many injuries, and so much mystery around his last injury. I'm beginning to wonder if he will ever throw a major league pitch. I hope the development system can help him figure out some strategies to stay healthy. The sky has always been the limit for him.

1 Question
1) Zach Levenson- Is he a prospect, or a suspect? Is it possible for him to make the Cardinals top 30 list by the end of next season? If so, the path is wide open for an OF that can produce. What say you?

Good write up.

100% with you on Padilla. Was a big fan last year, will still be this year.

I'm an AD4 fan, he brought me Joy last year with a few starts...I went silly in the Min. League threads with "FOUR" everytime he would K someone. His rehab phase is done, now it's time for starter innings.

I kept an eye on Ortiz entering last year, FGM2 and I liked the pick in 2024...we were chomping at the bit to see him play. He made a lot of loud contact, and he took walks. What surprised me was his basestealing ability....that came out of nowhere for me. I don't know if he breaks out or not this year? Or just warms up some more, then takes the world by storm in 2027? Not sure.

My 3rd would be Tanner Franklin...develops a 3rd pitch to enhance his starter chances. 2.50 ERA across 2 systems (A+ and AA), jumping into every publications Top 100 lists. He'll be in a few this winter, but not all. By the ASB, he'll be a household name in the STL fandom.

so hope you are right about that Duce.

say, where has FGM2 been lately?

[craviduce]

In 2025 we are all aware of a few real breakouts we've had from players who super-charged their standing in the organization. I am thinking of Rainiel Rodriguez, Josh Baez, Brycen Mautz, and Ixan Henderson. Feel free to mention others if they come to mind. I have 3 picks to super-charge their standing next season, along with 2 hopes, and a question.

1) Yairo Padilla- I predict that if he stays healthy, then at this time next year he will be a top 5 Cardinal prospect, a top 100 MLB prospect, and perhaps even a top 50 MLB prospect.
2) Deniel Ortiz- I predict he will be top 10 Cardinal prospect and may make it all the way to AAA next season.
3)Andrew Dutkanych IV- I predict he will make it into the Cardinals top 20 prospects and may make it to AA if the roster isn't clogged ahead of him.

2 Hopes
1) Chen Wei Lin- Everyone loves his stuff, but he just hasn't put it all together yet. He's getting long in the tooth for a prospect. He is 24 and isn't ready to progress from AA yet. I hope the development system helps him figure it out. If he does, the will be a true asset.
2) Tink Hence- So many injuries, and so much mystery around his last injury. I'm beginning to wonder if he will ever throw a major league pitch. I hope the development system can help him figure out some strategies to stay healthy. The sky has always been the limit for him.

1 Question
1) Zach Levenson- Is he a prospect, or a suspect? Is it possible for him to make the Cardinals top 30 list by the end of next season? If so, the path is wide open for an OF that can produce. What say you?

Good write up.

100% with you on Padilla. Was a big fan last year, will still be this year.

I'm an AD4 fan, he brought me Joy last year with a few starts...I went silly in the Min. League threads with "FOUR" everytime he would K someone. His rehab phase is done, now it's time for starter innings.

I kept an eye on Ortiz entering last year, FGM2 and I liked the pick in 2024...we were chomping at the bit to see him play. He made a lot of loud contact, and he took walks. What surprised me was his basestealing ability....that came out of nowhere for me. I don't know if he breaks out or not this year? Or just warms up some more, then takes the world by storm in 2027? Not sure.

My 3rd would be Tanner Franklin...develops a 3rd pitch to enhance his starter chances. 2.50 ERA across 2 systems (A+ and AA), jumping into every publications Top 100 lists. He'll be in a few this winter, but not all. By the ASB, he'll be a household name in the STL fandom.

so hope you are right about that Duce.

say, where has FGM2 been lately?

I saw him a couple of months back, he said that he was extremely busy all at once. And then a few weeks back, maybe around Thanksgiving he popped in, didn't respond to my reply of his post.

[craviduce]

In 2025 we are all aware of a few real breakouts we've had from players who super-charged their standing in the organization. I am thinking of Rainiel Rodriguez, Josh Baez, Brycen Mautz, and Ixan Henderson. Feel free to mention others if they come to mind. I have 3 picks to super-charge their standing next season, along with 2 hopes, and a question.

3 Super-Chargers
1) Yairo Padilla- I predict that if he stays healthy, then at this time next year he will be a top 5 Cardinal prospect, a top 100 MLB prospect, and perhaps even a top 50 MLB prospect.
2) Deniel Ortiz- I predict he will be top 10 Cardinal prospect and may make it all the way to AAA next season.
3)Andrew Dutkanych IV- I predict he will make it into the Cardinals top 20 prospects and may make it to AA if the roster isn't clogged ahead of him.

2 Hopes
1) Chen Wei Lin- Everyone loves his stuff, but he just hasn't put it all together yet. He's getting long in the tooth for a prospect. He is 24 and isn't ready to progress from AA yet. I hope the development system helps him figure it out. If he does, he will be a true asset.
2) Tink Hence- So many injuries, and so much mystery around his last injury. I'm beginning to wonder if he will ever throw a major league pitch. I hope the development system can help him figure out some strategies to stay healthy. The sky has always been the limit for him.

1 Question
1) Zach Levenson- Is he a prospect, or a suspect? Is it possible for him to make the Cardinals top 30 list by the end of next season? If so, the path is wide open for an OF that can produce. What say you?

To add on.... I skipped the Hopes part.

A couple of pitchers I have some Hopes for....two PMB/FCL alums.

Yordy Herrera, LHP....incredible stuff...and incredibly lacking control. Could be a good cog in the BP ...IF he can gain control and cut the walks considerably. This, to me, is his make or break year. Link ~ https://www.fangraphs.com/players/yordy ... s/pitching

Nelfy Ynfante, RHP... starter, better control than Herrera....he spot started all last year, guys like Odle, AD4, Bedell, Rom would kick him from his starts so they could rehab. Then the draft happened, and he again would take a back seat to Franklin and Van Dyke. I hope gets a spot in the 6man rotation with Palm Beach this year. Control should improve, and with hope he could earn a promotion in season to Peoria...up for a R5 protection along with Herrera next year. Link ~ https://www.fangraphs.com/players/nelfy ... s/pitching

------------

New names to get familiar with...players I would suggest you follow/keep an eye on

Sebastian Dos Santos, SH (Switch Hitter), slender frame, but surprising power in his 6'0", 140ish Lbs frame (not sure of his size now, that was his stats at signing back in Jan. 2025. A fast middle infielder, he tore up the DSL offensively. While guys like Royelny Strop and Kenly Hunter got more press/talk, Dos Santos was consistent game in and game out. Produced a more than healthy 158 wRC+.
Link https://www.fangraphs.com/players/sebas ... ts/batting

Kenly Hunter, RH, OF....lacks the power tool, but that's it....Hit, Speed, Defense, Arm...all pretty good. Ran amuck in the DSL with 25 SB's. 131wRC+....and just entered Mlbpipeline's Cards Top 30 this season. Link ~ https://www.fangraphs.com/players/kenly ... ts/batting

Both players should be entering their first year Stateside, I believe/hope. FCL starts in May, so I'd bet they're in Minor League Camp this spring.

[82birds]

In 2025 we are all aware of a few real breakouts we've had from players who super-charged their standing in the organization. I am thinking of Rainiel Rodriguez, Josh Baez, Brycen Mautz, and Ixan Henderson. Feel free to mention others if they come to mind. I have 3 picks to super-charge their standing next season, along with 2 hopes, and a question.

1) Yairo Padilla- I predict that if he stays healthy, then at this time next year he will be a top 5 Cardinal prospect, a top 100 MLB prospect, and perhaps even a top 50 MLB prospect.
2) Deniel Ortiz- I predict he will be top 10 Cardinal prospect and may make it all the way to AAA next season.
3)Andrew Dutkanych IV- I predict he will make it into the Cardinals top 20 prospects and may make it to AA if the roster isn't clogged ahead of him.

2 Hopes
1) Chen Wei Lin- Everyone loves his stuff, but he just hasn't put it all together yet. He's getting long in the tooth for a prospect. He is 24 and isn't ready to progress from AA yet. I hope the development system helps him figure it out. If he does, the will be a true asset.
2) Tink Hence- So many injuries, and so much mystery around his last injury. I'm beginning to wonder if he will ever throw a major league pitch. I hope the development system can help him figure out some strategies to stay healthy. The sky has always been the limit for him.

1 Question
1) Zach Levenson- Is he a prospect, or a suspect? Is it possible for him to make the Cardinals top 30 list by the end of next season? If so, the path is wide open for an OF that can produce. What say you?

Good write up.

100% with you on Padilla. Was a big fan last year, will still be this year.

I'm an AD4 fan, he brought me Joy last year with a few starts...I went silly in the Min. League threads with "FOUR" everytime he would K someone. His rehab phase is done, now it's time for starter innings.

I kept an eye on Ortiz entering last year, FGM2 and I liked the pick in 2024...we were chomping at the bit to see him play. He made a lot of loud contact, and he took walks. What surprised me was his basestealing ability....that came out of nowhere for me. I don't know if he breaks out or not this year? Or just warms up some more, then takes the world by storm in 2027? Not sure.

My 3rd would be Tanner Franklin...develops a 3rd pitch to enhance his starter chances. 2.50 ERA across 2 systems (A+ and AA), jumping into every publications Top 100 lists. He'll be in a few this winter, but not all. By the ASB, he'll be a household name in the STL fandom.

so hope you are right about that Duce.

say, where has FGM2 been lately?

I saw him a couple of months back, he said that he was extremely busy all at once. And then a few weeks back, maybe around Thanksgiving he popped in, didn't respond to my reply of his post.

good poster, miss him around here.
anothe poster I wish would come back, always looked forward to his posts...
picklefork
remember him?

[craviduce]

In 2025 we are all aware of a few real breakouts we've had from players who super-charged their standing in the organization. I am thinking of Rainiel Rodriguez, Josh Baez, Brycen Mautz, and Ixan Henderson. Feel free to mention others if they come to mind. I have 3 picks to super-charge their standing next season, along with 2 hopes, and a question.

1) Yairo Padilla- I predict that if he stays healthy, then at this time next year he will be a top 5 Cardinal prospect, a top 100 MLB prospect, and perhaps even a top 50 MLB prospect.
2) Deniel Ortiz- I predict he will be top 10 Cardinal prospect and may make it all the way to AAA next season.
3)Andrew Dutkanych IV- I predict he will make it into the Cardinals top 20 prospects and may make it to AA if the roster isn't clogged ahead of him.

2 Hopes
1) Chen Wei Lin- Everyone loves his stuff, but he just hasn't put it all together yet. He's getting long in the tooth for a prospect. He is 24 and isn't ready to progress from AA yet. I hope the development system helps him figure it out. If he does, the will be a true asset.
2) Tink Hence- So many injuries, and so much mystery around his last injury. I'm beginning to wonder if he will ever throw a major league pitch. I hope the development system can help him figure out some strategies to stay healthy. The sky has always been the limit for him.

1 Question
1) Zach Levenson- Is he a prospect, or a suspect? Is it possible for him to make the Cardinals top 30 list by the end of next season? If so, the path is wide open for an OF that can produce. What say you?

Good write up.

100% with you on Padilla. Was a big fan last year, will still be this year.

I'm an AD4 fan, he brought me Joy last year with a few starts...I went silly in the Min. League threads with "FOUR" everytime he would K someone. His rehab phase is done, now it's time for starter innings.

I kept an eye on Ortiz entering last year, FGM2 and I liked the pick in 2024...we were chomping at the bit to see him play. He made a lot of loud contact, and he took walks. What surprised me was his basestealing ability....that came out of nowhere for me. I don't know if he breaks out or not this year? Or just warms up some more, then takes the world by storm in 2027? Not sure.

My 3rd would be Tanner Franklin...develops a 3rd pitch to enhance his starter chances. 2.50 ERA across 2 systems (A+ and AA), jumping into every publications Top 100 lists. He'll be in a few this winter, but not all. By the ASB, he'll be a household name in the STL fandom.

so hope you are right about that Duce.

say, where has FGM2 been lately?

I saw him a couple of months back, he said that he was extremely busy all at once. And then a few weeks back, maybe around Thanksgiving he popped in, didn't respond to my reply of his post.

good poster, miss him around here.
anothe poster I wish would come back, always looked forward to his posts...
picklefork
remember him?

pickle pops up once in a blue moon. He had one of the best avatars on here