Monday's Prospect Stock Market Report
Prospect Stock Market Report
On Deck — Tracking the Future of the Cardinals
February 23, 2026
This first report of 2026 isn’t built on box scores. It’s built on carryover momentum. Several prospects enter the season positioned higher than they were a year ago, while others begin with something to prove after uneven stretches or interrupted development in 2025.
STOCK RISING 📈
Rainiel Rodriguez (C) 19, High A - Rodriguez broke out in 2025 with 20 home runs across three levels, landing in the Top 40 nationally (#37 MLB Pipeline, #35 Baseball America). The power translated as he climbed levels, and evaluators began talking about the bat with conviction rather than projection.
Projection: If the offensive gains stabilize, he shifts from intriguing to foundational in the long-term catching picture.
Joshua Baez (OF) 22, Double-A - Baez's mechanical adjustments unlocked greater consistency in 2025, pushing him into the national Top 100 (No. 87) MLB rankings. Improved swing decisions and more controlled at-bats allowed his physical tools to show up more regularly in games.
Projection: The ceiling has always been loud. The refinement now gives him a clearer path toward impact status. He could see playing time in St. Louis at some point this season.
Liam Doyle (LHP) 21, Double-A -The 2025 draft pick quickly established himself as a Top 35 system arm (No. 34 on MLB.com). Early evaluations highlight polish and competitiveness that suggest he could advance steadily.
Projection: If command continues trending upward, he may move faster than a typical draft arm.
STOCK HOLDING ↔
Leonardo Bernal (C) 21, Double-A - Gold Glove winner at Double-A in 2025 and ranked No. 98 nationally entering 2026. The defensive reputation remains strong, and evaluators trust the glove.
Why patience matters: The bat will determine ceiling, but the floor is stable because of defensive value.
Jimmy Crooks (C) 24, MLB - Consistently ranked among the organization’s Top 5 prospects and widely viewed as a near-term contributor. No dramatic stock swing — just steady industry confidence.
Why patience matters: Catchers develop in layers. The organization continues to invest in his timeline.
STOCK FALLING 📉
Tekoah Roby (RHP) - Was building momentum in 2025 before tearing his UCL in July, requiring Tommy John surgery. Development is paused, and his return timeline likely extends into late 2026 or 2027.
Tone: Development delayed, not derailed.
Chase Davis (OF) - Entered 2025 near the Top 10 in the system but slid significantly by midseason and fell further entering 2026 evaluations. Offensive consistency and approach remain the central questions.
Tone: Needs refinement, not reinvention.
Overall, the system enters 2026 in a healthier position than it did a year ago. There is more depth at the upper levels, clearer separation among impact prospects, and legitimate national recognition for several players. We are seeing a farm system trending forward — and that matters in a franchise rebuilding.