The St. Louis Cardinals are embracing a youth movement following the trade of Brendan Donovan to the Seattle Mariners last week. With no projected starting lineup players over age 28 and only three over 25, the team is set to give opportunities to emerging talents across positions. Six prospects now rank in MLB Pipeline's Top 100, signaling a promising future.
In the wake of president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom's trade of Brendan Donovan to the Mariners, the Cardinals' roster has shifted dramatically toward youth. The projected starting lineup features no players over 28, with only three above 25, and the rotation includes five pitchers in their 20s. This setup allows young hitters like 23-year-old Jordan Walker and 25-year-old Nolan Gorman to solidify their roles after mixed results in prior seasons.
The Donovan deal added No. 91 prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje, bringing the Cardinals to six players in MLB Pipeline's Top 100. Five of these—excluding 19-year-old catcher Rainiel Rodriguez—could reach the majors this season. Prospects hail from all positions, potentially impacting the roster by the All-Star break.
At catcher, the 40-man roster holds five players, including Iván Herrera, whose strong bat may shift him to first base or DH despite defensive work. Pedro Pagés and Yohel Pozo, both over 25, face uncertainty; Pagés posted a .643 OPS in the majors, suited for backup, while Pozo struggled post-All-Star break with a .119 average. Jimmy Crooks, 24, debuted last season with defensive praise and a .274 average, 14 homers in Triple-A. Leonardo Bernal, No. 98 prospect and Minor League Gold Glove winner, adds pressure.
In the infield, No. 5 prospect JJ Wetherholt, drafted seventh overall in 2024, is poised for Opening Day at second or third base. His hitting prowess and charisma position him as a potential franchise centerpiece. Nolan Gorman starts at third but may platoon with Thomas Saggese, with Jesus Baez from the Ryan Helsley trade as depth.
Outfield intrigue centers on right field, where Jordan Walker's 2026 season could be pivotal after declining results since 2023. Joshua Baez, No. 87 prospect, raked in Triple-A and offers competition at 22 years old.
For pitchers, Matthew Liberatore and Dustin May are locks, but spots open for No. 34 prospect Liam Doyle, the No. 5 pick from 2024 out of Tennessee, who turns 22 in June. Cijntje, a switch-pitcher, may accelerate if focusing right-handed. Tink Hence (23) and Quinn Mathews (25) remain options, alongside Richard Fitts and Hunter Dobbins, 26-year-olds acquired from Boston in deals for Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras. This depth ends reliance on fill-ins like Jose Barrero.
