This time around, I decided to rate the 2021 St. Louis Cardinals' prospects that are currently in their organization. After sifting through numerous websites, such as Prospects Live, Prospects 1500, Baseball Reference, and Fangraphs, I have poured over information to rate them accordingly. Here are my rankings of the St. Louis Cardinals' prospects for the 2021 season.
I also attempted to project each of the top 20 prospects that I'm ranking in the St. Louis Cardinals' system for the 2021 season. Without further ado, let's go to it, shall we say?
Dylan Carlson's 2020 Rookie of the Year campaign didn't go as expected, but he showed a solid glove, and he played better towards the end of the 2020 MLB season. He also especially played well in the 2020 playoffs, which is an encouraging sign for how he may fare in the upcoming season.
(Photo:
Ron Vesely/Getty Images)
1. OF Dylan Carlson - B+
Last year, I rated Dylan Carlson as one of the most ready prospects for the majors after having a terrific 2019 season, and I felt that he was a dark horse contender for the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year award. Unfortunately, he didn’t start the season in the majors, and he got off to a very slow start in the shortened 2020 season.
On the bright side, Carlson has fielded well in the big leagues, and he also managed to hit well in the postseason. While he might not have the upside as the other elite prospects, Carlson has the skills to be a solid major league player, especially if his bat can come around this time.
2020 (STL/MLB):
.200 AVG, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 1 SB, .252 OBP, .364 SLG, .616 OPS, 29.4 K%, 0.2 WAR
2020 (STL Postseason):
.333 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1 SB, .571 OBP, .444 SLG, 1.016 OPS, 21.4 K%
2019 (AAA): .
361 AVG, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 2 SB, .418 OBP, .681 SLG, 1.098 OPS, 22.8 K%
2019 (AA):
.281 AVG, 21 HR, 59 RBI, 18 SB, .364 OBP, .518 SLG, .882 OPS, 20.3 K%
Projected 2021 Season:
2021 (MLB): 110 GP, 412 PA, 373 AB, 91 H, 12 HR, 40 RBI, 20 2B, 5 3B, 29 BB, 5 HBP, 5 SF, 6 SB, 4 CS, 114 K
Dylan Carlson’s Projected 2021 Season (Age 22 season):
2021 (STL/MLB): .244 AVG, 12 HR, 40 RBI, 6 SB, .303 OBP, .421 SLG, .724 OPS, 27.7 K%, 1.7 WAR (mostly glove-related)
2021’s Player’s Age (22) Season
Carlson’s 2021 Rating: 2 stars (3.5 stars potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starting Right Fielder for the 2021 St. Louis Cardinals
Future role: Starting Right Fielder for the 2021 St. Louis Cardinals
ETA: 2021
Nolan Gorman is a prized prospect in the Cardinals' farm system, but he didn't exactly dominate in the minors in 2019, and his strikeout rates in the minors may be rather alarming for a player that is considered to be a top prospect.
(Photo:
Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
2. 3B Nolan Gorman - B
Nolan Gorman has been a prized prospect in the Cardinals’ farm system for plenty of years now. He is an offensive minded, power-hitting third baseman that can hit and mash, and he’s been rated very high on prospect boards across many websites.
One alarming trend though, is that he has consistently struck out at high rates in the minors, and he hasn’t quite played nearly as well at higher levels. He’s got plenty of potential, but there is a concern that his high whiff rate may not bode well for him in the high minors.
2020 (STL): Did not play
2019 (A+): .256 AVG, 5 HR, 21 RBI, .304 OBP, .428 SLG, .732 OPS, 31.7 K%
2019 (A): .241 AVG, 10 HR, 41 RBI, .344 OBP, .448 SLG, .792 OPS, 28 K%
2018 (A): .202 AVG, 6 HR, 16 RBI, .280 OBP, .426 SLG, .706 OPS, 36.4 K%
2018 (Rk): .350 AVG, 11 HR, 28 RBI, .443 OBP, .664 SLG, 1.107 OPS, 22.2 K%
Projected 2021 Season (20/21 Season):
2021 (AA): 100 GP, 422 PA, 385 AB, 93 H, 12 HR, 45 RBI, 20 2B, 4 3B, 29 BB, 6 HBP, 2 SF, 1 SB, 2 CS, 141 K
2021 (AAA): 25, 106 PA, 97 AB, 22 H, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 4 2B, 1 3B, 6 BB, 2 HBP, 1 SF, 0 SB, 1 CS, 37 K
Nolan Gorman’s Projected 2021 Season (Age 20/21 season):
(AA): .242 AVG, 12 HR, 45 RBI, 1 SB, .303 OBP, .408 SLG, .711 OPS, 33.4 K%
(AAA): .227 AVG, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 0 SB, .283 OBP, .381 SLG, .664 OPS, 34.9 K%
2021’s Player’s Age (20/21) Season
Gorman’s 2021 Rating: 0.5 stars (3 star potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starting AA Third Baseman in the Cardinals’ Farm system
Future role: Starting Third Baseman on the St. Louis Cardinals
ETA: 2022
3. SS/RHP Masyn Winn - B
2020 (HS):
As a hitter, .417 AVG, 8 HR, 46 RBI
As a pitcher, 13-0, 0.67 ERA, 76.1 IP, 117 K, 13.8 K/9
Link: https://arkansas.rivals.com/news/first-arkansas-signee-off-the-board-in-2020-mlb-draft
2019 (HS): Stats not available.
Masyn Winn is a two-way player that can play multiple positions, and he was drafted to play both shortstop and be a pitcher in the St. Louis Cardinals’ farm system. He is said to have very good tools both as a shortstop and as a pitcher. He has not played in the minors, but he is a young player that may possess plenty of upside as a prospect for the majors.
2021 Season Projection: Not available.
2021’s Player’s Age (19) Season
Winn’s 2021 Rating: 0.5 stars (3 Star potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starter in Rookie Ball in the St. Louis Cardinals’ Farm System
Future role: Starter in the majors
ETA: 2025
4. 3B Jordan Walker - B
2020 (HS): 16 GP, .457 AVG, 4 HR, 15 RBI, N/A OBP, N/A SLG, N/A OPS
2019 (HS): .519 AVG, 17 HR, 60 RBI, 24 SB, N/A OBP, N/A SLG, N/A OPS
Link: His Wikipedia page
Jordan Walker is a skilled third baseman that can certainly hit the baseball. He has a strong set of all-around tools, and he was the Cardinals’ first round draft pick in 2020. He has not played in the minors, but he is a young player that may possess plenty of upside as a prospect for the majors.
2021 Season Projection: Not available.
2021’s Walker's Age (18/19) Season
Player’s 2021 Rating: 0.5 stars (3 Star potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starter in Rookie Ball in the St. Louis Cardinals’ Farm System
Future role: Starter in the majors
ETA: 2025
5. LHP Zack Thompson - B-
2020 (STL): Did not play.
2019 (A+): 0-0, 4.05 ERA, 13.1 IP, 10.8 H9, 0 HR9, 2.7 BB9, 12.8 K9
2019 (Rk): 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 IP, 13.5 H9, 0 HR9, 0 BB9, 18 K9
2019 (NCAA): 6-1, 2.40 ERA, 90 IP, 5.9 H9, 0.3 HR9, 3.4 BB9, 13 K9
2018 (NCAA): 2-1, 4.94 ERA, 31 IP, 7 H9, 1.2 HR9, 5.8 BB9, 12.2 K9
Zack Thompson is a left-handed pitcher that has three good pitches, with his best pitch being a solid curveball that has a tight spin. He also has an effective changeup. He hasn’t pitched much in the minors, but he played very well in college baseball in 2019, and he’s shown that he can consistently strike hitters out at high rates. He could project to at best be a mid-tier starting pitcher in the majors, or at least a power bullpen arm that can strike hitters out in the big leagues.
2021 Season Projections (Age 23 season):
2021 (AA): 20 GP, 20 GS, 108.2 IP, 58 ER, 4-4, 111 H, 11 HR, 54 BB, 118 K, 3.83 FIP
2021 (AAA): 8 GP, 0 GS, 8.2 IP, 5 ER, 0-1, 9 H, 1 HR, 5 BB, 10 K
2021 (MLB): 8 GP, 0 GS, 7.1 IP, 5 ER, 8 H, 1-0, 1 HR, 5 BB, 8 K,
Zack Thompson’s 2021 Season Projections:
2021 (AA): 4-4, 4.80 ERA, 108.2 IP, 9.2 H9, 0.9 HR9, 4.5 BB9, 9.8 K9, 3.83 FIP
2021 (AAA): 0-1, 5.19 ERA, 9.3 H9, 1.0 HR9, 5.2 BB9, 10.4 K9, 4.12 FIP
2021 (MLB): 1-0, 6.14 ERA, 9.8 H9, 1.2 HR9, 6.1 BB9, 9.8 K9, 4.99 FIP, 0 WAR
2021’s Player’s Age (23) Season
Thompson’s 2021 Rating: 1 stars (2.5 stars potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starting pitcher in AA in the Cardinals’ farm system
Future role: Backend starter or versatile bullpen arm in the majors
ETA: 2021
Matthew Liberatore will finally pitch in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system, but did they give up too much in trading away Arozarena to get him?
(Photo:
Austin Anthony/Bowling Green Daily News)
6. LHP Matthew Liberatore - B-
2020 (STL): Did not play.
2019 (A): 6-2, 3.10 ERA, 78.1 IP, 8 H9, 0.2 HR9, 3.6 BB9, 8.7 K9
2018 (Rk): 2-2, 1.38 ERA, 32.2 IP, 5.8 H9, 0 HR9, 3.6 BB9, 10.2 K9
He is a young, left-handed pitcher that was acquired in a trade that sent Randy Arozarena to the Tampa Bay Rays. Liberatore is a former first round pick, and he is a hard thrower that is said to have good control and breaking stuff. He’s struggled a bit with his control in A ball a bit, but he is considered to be one of the best prospects in the Cards’ organization, and is said to have potentially ace-level stuff in the future.
2021 Season Projections (Age: 21 season)
2021 (AA): 20 GP, 103 IP, 6-4, 106 H, 61 ER, 9 HR, 55 BB, 85 K
2021 (A): 5 GP, 26.2 IP, 2-1, 7 ER, 22 H, 8 BB, 0 HR, 29 K
2021 (AAA): 1 GP, 3.2 IP, 0-0, 2 ER, 4 H, 0 HR, 2 BB, 3 K
Matthew Liberatore’s 2021 Season Projections (Age 21 season):
2021 (A): 2-1, 2.36 ERA, 26.2 IP, 7.4 H9, 0 HR9, 2.7 BB9, 9.8 K9, 1.92 FIP
2021 (AA): 6-4. 5.33 ERA, 103 IP, 9.3 H9, 0.8 HR9, 4.8 BB9, 7.4 K9, 4.29 FIP
2021 (AAA): 0-0, 4.91 ERA, 3.2 IP, 9.8 H9, 0 HR9, 4.9 BB9, 7.4 K9, 3.20 FIP
2021’s Player’s Age (21) Season
Liberatore's 2021 Rating: 0.5 stars (2.5 star potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starting pitcher in AA in the Cardinals’ farm system
Future role: Middle of the rotation starter on the St. Louis Cardinals years from now
ETA: 2022
7. C Ivan Herrera - B-
Ivan Herrera is a young catcher whose best trait is his hit tool. He can hit for a high batting average, and he may have the patience to be able to get on base at a fairly high rate at higher levels. On the downside, he hasn’t shown much pop in his bat at higher levels, and he struggled in the Mexican Pacific Winter League this year. Still, his ability to hit and get on base makes him an intriguing prospect on the Cardinals’ team.
2020-21 (MXPW): .184 AVG, 0 HR, 9 RBI, .310 OBP, .204 SLG, .514 OPS, 22.4 K%,
Defense: 52 CS%
2019 (AZFL): .324 AVG, 0 HR, 6 RBI, .439 OBP, .382 SLG, .821 OPS, 9.8 K%,
Defense: 33 CS%
2019 (A+): .276 AVG, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .338 OBP, .328 SLG, .666 OPS, 24.6 K%,
Defense: 33 CS%
2019 (A): .286 AVG, 8 HR, 42 RBI, .381 OBP, .423 SLG, .805 OPS, 19.2 K%,
Defense: 30 CS%
Ivan Herrera’s Projected 2021 season (Age 20/21 season):
2021 (A): 20 GP, 83 PA, 69 AB, 21 H, 2 HR, 3 2B, 0 3B, 1 SB, 0 CS, 11 BB, 2 HBP, 1 SF, 14 K,
Defense: 7 CS, 13 SB
2021 (AA): 100 GP, 413 PA, 366 AB, 89 H, 4 HR, 44 RBI, 7 2B, 0 3B, 36 BB, 8 HBP, 3 SF, 93 K, 1 SB, 2 CS,
Defense: 42 CS, 83 SB
2021 (AAA): 5 GP, 15 PA, 13 AB, 3 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0 2B, 0 3B, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 0 SF, 0 SB, 0 CS, 4 K,
Defense: 2 CS, 5 SB
Ivan Herrera's Projected 2021 season (Age 20/21 season):
2021 (A): .304 AVG, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 1 SB, .410 OBP, .435 SLG, .844 OPS, 16.9 K%, 35 CS%
2021 (AA): .243 AVG, 4 HR, 44 RBI, 1 SB, .322 OBP, .295 SLG, .617 OPS, 22.5 K%, 33.6 CS%
2021 (AAA): .231 AVG, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0 SB, .333 OBP, .231 SLG, .564 OPS, 26.7 K%, 28.6 CS%
2021’s Player’s Age (20/21) Season
Herrera’s 2021 Rating: 0.5 stars (2.5 stars potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starting catcher in AA in the St. Louis Cardinals’ farm system
Future role: Starting catcher for either the St. Louis Cardinals or another team in the majors years from now
ETA: 2023
8. RHP Tink Hence - B-
2020 (HS): 0.00 ERA, 18 IP, 41 K, 4 BB, 2 BB9, 20.5 K9
2019 (HS): 0.64 ERA, 43.2 IP, 61 K, 12.6 K/9
Link: https://arkansas.rivals.com/news/hard-throwing-in-state-rhp-selected-in-2020-mlb-draft
He is a young pitcher that throws hard, and he has two very good pitches, as he has a solid fastball and a curveball. Hence also is said to have good control and command of his pitches, but he will need to develop more of a repertoire in his arsenal.
2021 Season Projection: N/A
2021’s Player’s Age (18/19) Season
Hence’s 2021 Rating: 0.5 stars (2.5 stars potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starting pitcher in Rookie-ball in the minors
Future role: Backend starter or versatile bullpen arm in the majors
ETA: 2025
9. RHP Angel Rondon - C+
2020-21 (MXPW): 0-1, 3.29 ERA, 13.2 IP, 9.9 H9, 0.7 HR9, 4.6 BB9, 7.2 K9
2019 (AA): 6-6, 3.21 ERA, 115 IP, 7.7 H9, 0.9 HR9, 3.3 BB9, 8.8 K9
2019 (A+): 5-1, 2.20 ERA, 45 IP, 5.2 H9, 0.6 HR9, 3.4 BB9, 9.4 K9
Angel Rondon is a young pitcher that pitched well in AA in 2019, and he has three solid pitches. He has a good fastball and a curveball, and a reliable changeup offering. He will need to improve his control and command, but he could fit into any role in the majors if he continues to progress as expected.
Projected 2021 season (age 23 season):
2021 (AAA): 26 GP, 26 GS, 5-8, 141 IP, 69 ER, 142 H, 21 HR, 69 BB, 116 K, 4.96 FIP
2021 (MLB): 5 GP, 0 GS, 0-0, 6 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K, 5.35 FIP
Angel Rondon’s Projected 2021 season (age 23 season):
2021 (AAA): 5-8, 4.40 ERA, 141 IP, 9.1 H9, 1.3 HR9, 4.4 BB9, 7.4 K9, 4.96 FIP
2021 (MLB): 0-0, 4.50 ERA, 6 IP, 9.0 H9, 1.5 HR9, 4.5 BB9, 7.5 K9, 5.35 FIP, 0 WAR
2021’s Player’s Age (23) Season
Angel Rondon’s 2021 Rating: 1.0 stars (2.5 stars potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starting Pitcher in AAA in the Cardinals’ farm system
Future role: Backend starter in the majors or versatile bullpen arm in the majors
ETA: 2021
Johan Oviedo had a respectable 2020 season during his time up in the majors, yet he still counts as a rookie yet again for the upcoming season. However, he didn't pitch well in AA in 2019. The question about Oviedo in 2021 is whether or not if he's poised for more innings in the majors, or if his 2020 season performance was perhaps a fluke.
(Photo:
Benny Sieu/USA Today Sports)
10. RHP Johan Oviedo - C+
2020 (STL/MLB): 0-3, 5.47 ERA, 24.2 IP, 8.8 H9, 1.1 HR9, 3.6 BB9, 5.8 K9, 5.30 FIP, 0.1 WAR
2019 (AA): 7-8, 5.65 ERA, 113 IP, 9.6 H9, 0.7 HR9, 5.1 BB9, 10.2 K9
2019 (A+): 5-0, 1.60 ERA, 33.2 IP, 7.8 H9, 0.3 HR9, 3.2 BB9, 9.4 K9
Johan Oviedo is a tall, right-handed pitcher that reached the majors in the shortened 2020 season, and he consistently throws in the mid-90s. His best pitch is that he throws a heavy slider and he gets good spin on it that can fool hitters. On the downside, he will need to improve his control and command. He has enough talent to reach the majors and potentially be an effective pitcher there this season, but he will need to find a way to put his skills all together to reach his full potential.
Projected 2021 season (age 23 season):
2021 (AA): 1 GP, 5.1 IP, 5 H, 1-0, 2 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 6 K
2021 (AAA): 26 GP, 26 GS, 128 IP, 76 ER, 6-10, 130 H, 15 HR, 63 BB, 124 K, 4.26 FIP
2021 (MLB): 5 GP, 1 GS, 7.1 IP, 4 ER, 0-1, 7 H, 1 HR, 4 BB, 6 K
Johan Oviedo’s Projected 2021 season (age 23 season):
2021 (AA): 1-0, 3.38 ERA, 5.1 IP, 8.4 H9, 0 HR9, 3.4 BB9, 10.1 K9, 2.07 FIP
2021 (AAA): 6-10, 5.34 ERA, 128 IP, 9.1 H9, 1.1 HR9, 4.4 BB9, 8.7 K9, 4.26 FIP
2021 (MLB): 0-1, 4.91 ERA, 8.6 H9, 1.2 HR9, 4.9 BB9, 7.4 K9, 5.57 FIP, 0.0 WAR
2021’s Player’s Age (23) Season
Player’s 2021 Rating: 1 stars (2.5 stars potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starting pitcher in AAA in the Cardinals’ farm system
Future role: Backend starter or versatile bullpen arm in the majors
ETA: 2021
Edwin Nunez is a talented prospect who has yet to pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals. They say he can throw up to 100 miles per hour, which sounds like a Paul Bunyan-esque tall tale, but Nunez's upside could be even higher if he can quickly climb up the minors.
(Photo:
Laurie Skrivan/St. Louis Post Dispatch)
11. RHP Edwin Nunez - C+
He’s received rave reviews by Prospects 1500, and he’s said that he can throw up to 100 MPH. He also has a curveball, but he has yet to pitch in the minors.
2021 Season Projection: N/A
2021’s Player’s Age (19) Season
Player’s 2021 Rating: 0.5 stars (2.5 stars potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starter in rookie-ball
Future role: Bullpen arm in the majors
ETA: 2025
Junior Fernandez quickly climbed up the minors as he pitched very well there in 2019, but he hasn't quite translated that into major-league production yet. Time will tell if he'll pitch in the majors this season or in 2022.
(Photo:
Jay Biggerstaff/USA Today Sports)
12. RHP Junior Fernandez - C
2020 (STL/MLB): 0-0, 18.00 ERA, 3 IP, 18 H9, 3 HR9, 6 BB9, 6 K9, 8.19 FIP, -0.1 WAR
2019 (STL/MLB): 0-1, 5.40 ERA, 11.2 IP, 6.9 H9, 1.5 HR9, 4.6 BB9, 12.3 K9, 5.27 FIP, -0.1 WAR
2019 (AAA): 2-1, 1.48 ERA, 24.1 IP, 6.3 H9, 0 HR9, 4.1 BB9, 10 K9
2019 (AA): 1-1, 1.55 ERA, 29 IP, 5.6 H9, 0 HR9, 3.4 BB9, 13 K9
2019 (A+): 0-0, 1.54 ERA, 11.2 IP, 6.2 H9, 0 HR9, 6.2 BB9, 8.5 K9
Projected 2021 season:
2021 (AAA): 38 GP, 3-2, 1.66 ERA, 54.1 IP, 10 ER, 40 H, 2 HR, 23 BB, 68 K, 7 SV, 2.45 FIP
2021 (MLB): 20 GP, 1-1, 21.2 IP, 11 ER, 0 SV, 20 H, 3 HR, 12 BB, 27 K, 5.00 FIP
Junior Fernandez's Projected 2021 season (Age 24 season):
2021 (AAA): 3-2, 1.66 ERA, 7 SV, 54.1 IP, 6.6 H9, 0.3 HR9, 3.8 BB9, 11.3 K9, 2.45 FIP
2021 (MLB): 1-1, 4.57 ERA, 21.2 IP, 8.3 H9, 1.2 HR9, 5.0 BB9, 11.2 K9, 5.00 FIP, 0.1 WAR
2021’s Player’s Age (24) Season
Fernandez’s 2021 Rating: 1.5 stars (2 stars potential)
Expected 2021 role: Vacillate between AAA and the majors as a bullpen arm
Future role: Bullpen arm in the majors
ETA: 2021
Edmundo Sosa has consistently put up solid numbers in the minors, but he hasn't gotten much run in the majors, and he didn't end up getting any time up in the big leagues in 2020. It's uncertain when he'll be able to be a full-time major league player, or if the Cardinals will be the team to give him that playing time, but Sosa is talented infielder that can hit.
(Photo:
Steve Mitchell/USA Today Sports)
13. SS Edmundo Sosa - C
2020 (STL/MLB): Did not play.
2019 (STL/MLB): .250 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1 SB, .450 OBP, .250 SLG, .650 OPS, 20.0 K%, 0 WAR
2019 (AAA): .291 AVG, 17 HR, 62 RBI, 2 SB, .335 OBP, .466 SLG, .801 OPS, 19.4 K%
2018 (STL/MLB): .000 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .333 OBP, .000 SLG, .333 OPS, 33.3 K%, 0 WAR
2018 (AAA): .262 AVG, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 5 SB, .321 OBP, .408 SLG, .729 OPS, 20.1 K%
2018 (AA): .276 AVG, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 1 SB, .308 OBP, .429 SLG, .737 OPS, 18.7 K%
Edmundo Sosa is an offensive-minded infielder that has hit well in the minors, but he hasn’t played much in the majors because he’s been blocked by other players in front of him. It’s not certain if he will find much playing time in the big leagues this year or make the opening day, but he is a good player to have in the organization, as he will be ready to play if the Cardinals need him this season.
Projected 2021 season
2021 (AAA): 100 GP, 404 PA, 368 AB, 115 H, 16 HR, 64 RBI, 20 2B, 4 3B, 22 BB, 10 HBP, 4 SF, 72 K, 5 SB, 3 CS
2021 (MLB): 40 GP, 77 PA, 68 AB, 17 H, 2 HR, 2 2B, 1 3B, 6 BB, 2 HBP, 1 SF, 1 SB, 1 CS, 16 K
Edmundo Sosa's Projected 2021 season (Age 25 season):
2021 (AAA): .313 AVG, 16 HR, 64 RBI, 5 SB, .364 OBP, .519 SLG, .883 OPS, 17.8 K%
2021 (MLB): .250 AVG, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1 SB, .325 OBP, .397 OBP, .722 OPS, 20.8 K%, 0.3 WAR
2021’s Player’s Age (25) Season
Sosa’s 2021 Rating: 1.5 stars (2 stars potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starting shortstop or second baseman in AAA
Future role: Backup infielder in the majors
ETA: 2021
Kodi Whitley opened the season on the Major League roster and pitched well in his brief time up, but
injuries and COVID sidelined him in 2020, and he will need to continue to pitch well to secure a spot on the Major League roster in 2021.
(Photo:
David Carson/St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
14. RHP Kodi Whitley - C
2020 (STL/MLB): 0-0, 1.93 ERA, 4.2 IP, 3.9 H9, 1.9 HR9, 1.9 BB9, 9.6 K9, 4.48 FIP, 0 WAR
2019 (AAA): 2-0, 1.52 ERA, 23.2 IP, 8 H9, 0 HR9, 1.5 BB9, 10.3 K9
2019 (AA): 1-4, 1.83 ERA, 39.1 IP, 7.1 H9, 0.7 HR9, 3 BB9, 10.5 K9
2019 (AZFL): 0-1, 2.45 ERA, 11 IP, 6.5 H9, 0.8 HR9, 0.8 BB9, 10.6 K9
Kodi Whitley is a bullpen pitcher that briefly pitched in the majors, but he ended up missing a considerable portion of the season due to COVID. He has three solid pitches, as he has an above average fastball, changeup, and a useful slider pitch that can enable him to get outs. He’ll have a chance to make the opening day roster once again, and he could be an effective bullpen pitcher on the Cardinals’ team this season.
Projected 2021 Season (Age 26 season):
2021 (AAA): 25 GP, 2-2, 33.2 IP, 7 ER, 30 H, 3 HR, 9 BB, 40 K, 5 SV
2021 (MLB): 20 GP, 1-1, 24 IP, 8 ER, 20 H, 4 HR, 7 BB, 26 K
Kodi Whitley's Projected 2021 Season (Age 26 season):
2021 (AAA): 2-2, 1.87 ERA, 5 SV, 33.2 IP, 8 H9, 0.8 HR9, 2.4 BB9, 10.7 K9
2021 (MLB): 1-1, 3.00 ERA, 24 IP, 7.5 H9, 1.5 HR9, 2.6 BB9, 9.8 K9, 4.07 FIP, 0.1 WAR
2021’s Player’s Age (26) Season
Whitley’s 2021 Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
Expected 2021 role: Vacillate between AAA and the majors as a bullpen arm
Future role: Bullpen arm in the majors
ETA: 2021
15. OF Justin Williams - C
2020 (MLB): .200 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB, .333 OBP, .200 SLG, .533 OPS, 33.3 K%
2019 (AAA): .353 AVG, 7 HR, 26 RBI, .437 OBP, .608 SLG, 1.045 OPS, 25.2 K%
2019 (AA): .193 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 SB, .246 OBP, .263 SLG, .509 OPS, 27.9 K%
2018 (AAA): .252 AVG, 11 HR, 57 RBI, 4 SB, .307 OBP, .379 SLG, .685 OPS, 21.2 K%
2018 (MLB): .000 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .000 OPS, 0 K%
Justin Williams had been acquired when the Cardinals dealt Tommy Pham to Tampa Bay. Williams hasn't quite panned out as well as expected, but he's shown that he can hit AAA pitching by now. While he hasn't played well in the majors yet, his strong season in AAA in 2019 may suggest that he could be worthy of being a full-time regular in the majors either this season or the next.
Projected 2021 season (Age 25/26 season):
2021 (AAA): 100 GP, 385 PA, 341 AB, 97 H, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 14 2B, 1 3B, 39 BB, 3 HBP, 2 SF, 4 SB, 3 CS, 82 K
2021 (MLB): 15 GP, 29 PA, 25 AB, 6 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1 2B, 0 3B, 4 BB, 0 HBP, 0 SF, 0 SB, 0 CS, 7 K
Justin Williams' Projected 2021 season:
2021 (AAA): .284 AVG, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 4 SB, .361 OBP, .437 SLG, .798 OPS, 21.3 K%
2021 (MLB): .240 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0 SB, .345 OBP, .280 SLG, .625 OPS, 24.1 K%, 0 WAR
2021’s Player’s Age (25/26) Season
Williams' 2021 Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
Expected 2021 role: Vacillate between AAA and the majors
Future role: Bench outfielder in the majors
ETA: 2021
16. RHP Seth Elledge - C
2020 (MLB): 1-0, 4.63 ERA, 8.5 H9, 1.5 HR9, 6.2 BB9, 10.8 K9, 5.33 FIP, 0 WAR
2019 (AAA): 3-1, 4.72 ERA, 7.3 H9, 0.8 HR9, 5.0 BB9, 8.4 K9
2019 (AA): 3-3, 3.78 ERA, 9.2 H9, 0.8 HR9, 3.5 BB9, 11.6 K9
Seth Elledge had reached the majors in 2020, and he could be a bullpen arm in the majors this season in 2021.
Projected 2021 season stats (age 24/25 season):
2021 (AAA): 25 GP, 2-2, 35.2 IP, 16 ER, 30 H, 3 HR, 17 BB, 39 K
2021 (MLB): 20 GP, 1-1, 24.2 IP, 12 ER, 23 H, 3 HR, 14 BB, 28 K
Projected 2021 season stats (age 24/25 season):
2021 (AAA): 2-2, 4.04 ERA, 35.2 IP, 7.6 H9, 0.8 HR9, 4.3 BB9, 9.8 K9, 3.54 FIP
2021 (MLB): 1-1, 4.38 ERA, 24.2 IP, 8.4 H9, 1.1 HR9, 5.1 BB9, 10.2 K9, 4.46 FIP, 0.1 WAR
2021’s Player’s Age (24/25) Season
Elledge’s 2021 Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
Expected 2021 role: Vacillate between AAA and the majors as a bullpen arm
Future role: Bullpen arm in the majors
ETA: 2021
Ali Sanchez hit the ball well in AA, and scouts have rated his glove well, but he struggled to hit the ball in AAA or the majors, and he hasn't shown much pop in his bat at all at the higher levels.
(Photo:
Ed Delany/MMO)
17. C Ali Sanchez – C
2020 (NYM/MLB): .111 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .200 OBP, .111 SLG, .311 OPS, 30 K%, -0.1 WAR, Defense: 0 CS%
2019 (AAA): .179 AVG, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .277 OBP, .250 SLG, .527 OPS, 16.9 K%,
Defense: 63 CS%
2019 (AA): .278 AVG, 1 HR, 30 RBI, 1 SB, .337 OBP, .337 SLG, .674 OPS, 17.7 K%,
Defense: 42 CS%
Ali Sanchez is a defensive minded catcher that reached the majors briefly in 2020. He hit well in AA in 2019, but struggled to hit well at higher levels beyond that. He also doesn’t run well nor have much pop in his bat. He could contend to for a backup catcher job in the majors sometime in the future, and he could be a prospect to watch this season.
Projected 2021 season:
2021 (AAA): 100 GP, 362 PA, 318 AB, 77 H, 6 HR, 27 RBI, 18 2B, 0 3B, 33 BB, 8 HBP, 3 SF, 1 SB, 2 CS, 74 K,
Defense: 36 CS, 51 SB
2021 (MLB): 10 GP, 23 PA, 21 AB, 5 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 1 2B, 0 3B, 2 BB, 0 HBP, 0 SF, 0 SB, 0 CS, 6 K,
Defense: 3 CS, 7 SB
Ali Sanchez's Projected 2021 season:
2021 (AAA): .242 AVG, 6 HR, 27 RBI, 1 SB, .326 OBP, .355 SLG, .681 OPS, 20.4 K%, 41.4 CS%
2021 (MLB): .238 AVG, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0 SB, .304 OBP, .286 SLG, .590 OPS, 26.1 K%, 0 WAR, 30 CS%, 0.1 WAR
2021’s Player’s Age (24) Season
Player’s 2021 Rating: 1 star (2 stars potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starting catcher in AAA
Future role: Backup catcher in the majors
ETA: 2021
Johan Quezada is a recently acquired prospect from the Philadelphia Phillies. He hasn't pitched much in the majors, and he made a considerable leap to get there, but he is a tall pitcher at 6-9, 255 pounds, and he at the least could provide an intimidating presence on the mound.
(Photo:
Jasen Vinlove/USA Today Sports)
18. P Johan Quezada - C
2020 (MIA/MLB): 0-0, 9.00 ERA, 3 IP, 12 H9, 3 HR9, 3 BB9, 6 K9, 7.19 FIP, -0.1 WAR
2019 (A+): 7-2, 3.44 ERA, 33 GP, 52.1 IP, 8.5 H9, 0.3 HR9, 4.8 BB9, 8.4 K9
2018 (A): 1-1, 0.93 ERA, 9.2 IP, 6.5 H9, 0 HR9, 1.9 BB9, 9.3 K9
He is a bullpen arm that briefly reached the majors, but has struggled with his control and command. He is a very tall pitcher, as he is listed at 6-9, 255 pounds.
Projected 2021 season:
2021 (AAA): 45 GP, 54.2 IP, 32 ER, 65 H, 8 HR, 26 BB, 47 K
2021 (MLB):10 GP, 10.1 IP, 8 ER, 13 H, 2 HR, 5 BB, 9 K
Johan Quezada's Projected 2021 season:
2021 (AAA): 7-5, 5.27 ERA, 54.2 IP, 10.7 H9, 1.3 HR9, 4.3 BB9, 7.7 K9, 4.81 FIP
2021 (MLB): 0-0, 6.97 ERA, 10.1 IP, 11.3 H9, 1.7 HR9, 4.4 BB9, 7.8 K9, 5.45 FIP, -0.1 WAR
2021’s Player’s Age (26/27) Season
Quezada’s 2021 Rating: 1 star (2 star potential)
Expected 2021 role: Bullpen arm in AAA, maybe reach the majors as a September call-up
Future role: Bullpen arm in the majors
ETA: 2021
19. OF Trejyn Fletcher - C
2020 (STL): Did not play.
2019 (RK): .244 AVG, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 7 SB, .291 OBP, .375 SLG, .666 OPS, 43.4 K%
He is an athletic, toolsy outfielder that can run and hit for power, but he did not hit well in rookie ball, and he struck out too much in 2019.
2021’s Player’s Age (19/20) Season
Projected 2021 season:
2021 (Rk): 100 GP, 407 PA, 368 AB, 100 H, 14 HR, 86 RBI, 21 2B, 4 3B, 30 BB, 2 HBP, 7 SF, 18 SB, 2 CS, 147 K
2021 (A): 30 GP, 122 PA, 111 AB, 26 H, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 5 2B, 1 3B, 8 BB, 1 HBP, 2 SF, 5 SB, 1 CS, 54 K
Trejyn Fletcher's Projected 2021 season (Age 19/20 season):
2021 (Rk): .272 AVG, 14 HR, 86 RBI, 18 SB, .324 OBP, .465 SLG, .789 OPS, 36.1 K%
2021 (A): .234 AVG, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 5 SB, .287 OBP, .378 SLG, .665 OPS, 44.3 K%
Fletcher’s 2021 Rating: 0.5 stars (2 stars potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starter in Rookie-ball in the minors
Future role: 3rd or 4th outfielder in the majors
ETA: 2025
20. OF Jhon Torres - C
2020 (STL): Did not play.
2019 (A): .167 AVG, 0 HR, 8 RBI, .240 OBP, .212 SLG, .452 OPS, 38.7 K%
2019 (Rk): .286 AVG, 6 HR, 17 RBI, .391 OBP, .527 SLG, .918 OPS, 27.1 K%
2018 (RK): .321 AVG, 8 HR, 30 RBI, 4 SB, .409 OBP, .525, .933 OPS, 19.9 K%
Jhon Torres is a hitter that scouts like for his ability to hit and for power, and he also has a solid throwing arm. On the downside, he’s not a great fielder or runner. Unfortunately, he has not hit well above rookie-ball, and he really struggled in A-ball in 2019. He’ll need to show more of his hit tools at higher levels, or he could end up getting passed up as a prospect in the Cardinals’ organization.
Torres’ Projected 2021 season (Age: 21 season)
2021 (A): 100 GP, 409 PA, 357 AB, 82 H, 7 HR, 58 RBI, 17 2B, 4 3B, 42 BB, 7 HBP, 3 SF, 4 SB, 5 CS, 116 K
2021 (AA): 20 GP, 82 PA, 74 AB, 14 H, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 2 2B, 0 3B, 6 BB, 1 HBP, 1 SF, 0 SB, 1 CS, 29 K
Torres’ Projected 2021 season (Age: 21 season)
2021 (A): .230 AVG, 7 HR, 58 RBI, 4 SB, .320 OBP, .359 SLG, .679 OPS, 28.4 K%
2021 (AA): .189 AVG, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 0 SB, .256 OBP, .257 SLG, .513 OPS, 35.4 K%
2021’s Player’s Age (21) Season
Torres' 2021 Rating: 0.5 stars (2.0 stars potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starting outfielder in A-ball in the minors
Future role: 3rd or 4th outfielder in the majors
ETA: 2025
Honorable Mention: 1B/3B Malcolm Nunez, RHP Ian Bedell, 1B John Nogowski, RHP Andre Pallante, 1B Luken Baker.
Side notes:
Elehuris Montero would've been slotted as the 9th best prospect in the Cardinals' organization by my rankings had he not been traded to Colorado, and neither Tony Locey, Mateo Gil, nor Jake Sommers would've made the top 20 list.
4/3/21 Update:
Delvin Perez was crushing the baseball in the Spring, as he was tearing the covers off the baseball, so now he would be the 12th best prospect in the Cardinals' organization.
12. SS Delvin Perez - C+
2021 (Spring Training): .286 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0 SB, .286 OBP, .714 SLG, 1.000 OPS, 0 BB%, 43 K%
2020 (MLB): Did not play.
2019 (A): .269 AVG, 1 HR, 30 RBI, 22 SB, .329 OBP, .325 SLG, .654 OPS, 5.3 BB%, 23.1 K%
Basically, Delvin Perez has really increased his hitting power, and he's always been a solid runner and fielder. He hit for a decent average in A-ball in 2019, and he's hit well in the spring, but his low walk rates and high strikeout rates are alarming.
Still, his strong spring may now make him a solid prospect, and a good season could catapult him up the prospect list in 2022.
Perez's Projected 2021 season (Age: 22 season)
2021 (AA): 110 GP, 467 PA, 433 AB, 102 H, 14 2B, 8 3B, 9 HR, 77 RBI, 150 K, 24 BB, 8 HBP, (4 SH), 2 SF, 11 SB, 9 CS
2021 (AAA): 15 GP, 50 PA, 47 AB, 13 H, 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB, 16 K, 1 HBP, 0 SF, 2 SB, 0 CS
2021 (MLB): 9 GP, 25 PA, 23 AB, 5 H, 1 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 8 K, 0 SF, 1 SB, 0 CS
Delvin Perez’s Projected Age (22) Season:
2021 (AA): .236 AVG, 9 HR, 77 RBI, 11 SB, .287 OBP, .367 SLG, .654 OPS, 5.1 BB%. 32.1 K%
2021 (AAA): .277 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 SB, .320 OBP, .426 SLG, .746 OPS, 4.0 BB%, 32 K%
2021 (MLB): .217 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1 SB, .280 OBP, .261 SLG, .541 OPS, 4.0 BB%, 32 K%
2021’s Player’s Age (22) Season
Player’s 2021 Rating: 0.5 stars (2.5 stars potential)
Expected 2021 role: Starting shortstop in AA-ball in the minors
Future role: Average starting infielder/above average utility player in the majors
ETA: 2021
Thanks for reading, and this has been fun.
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