Cards optioned Báez to Triple-A Memphis

The Cardinal Chronicle
Báez’s Spring Surge Signals a Prospect on the Rise
St. Louis, MO — By Ray Mileur

Joshua Báez arrived in Jupiter this spring with something to prove. By the time camp began to wind down, the powerful young outfielder had done exactly that.

In just 10 Grapefruit League games, Báez made his presence felt with three home runs and a blistering 1.179 OPS. The raw power that once made him one of the most intriguing athletes in the Cardinals’ system was on full display again, highlighted by a 416-foot blast that left his bat at 109.4 mph.

For those who have followed his development, the power itself isn’t the surprise. It has always been there. The difference now is the maturity in his approach and the confidence with which he is stepping into the batter’s box.

A year ago, Báez was fighting to prove he could control the strike zone well enough to let his natural ability play. Now, the conversation has shifted. The 22-year-old has climbed to No. 4 in the Cardinals’ prospect rankings, a dramatic rise from being unranked not long ago. That kind of jump doesn’t happen without real progress behind the scenes.

The Cardinals have optioned Báez to Triple-A Memphis, a move that says more about timing than talent. Memphis will give him everyday at-bats and the opportunity to continue refining the adjustments that have scouts buzzing this spring.

For the Cardinals, Báez represents something the organization has been searching for: a homegrown power bat capable of changing a game with one swing.

For fans, the message is simple — keep an eye on Memphis. If Báez continues swinging the bat the way he did in Jupiter, the call to St. Louis may not be far away.

The Cardinal Chronicle
Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, and Projecting the Future