On Deck — Tracking the Future of the Cardinals

The Cardinal Chronicle
Prospect Stock Market Report
On Deck — Tracking the Future of the Cardinals

St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur

📈 Stock Rising

Joshua Baez (OF)
Baez has gone from “project” to “problem”—for opposing pitchers. Jumping from unranked to No. 4 in the system, he’s now one of just two 20/50 players in the minors. The tools were always loud. Now the approach is catching up. Improved contact has changed the conversation entirely. This is no longer a lottery ticket—this is a player knocking on the door. And yes, if fans had a vote, he’d already be in St. Louis.

Old School Take:
Tools get you noticed. Consistency gets you promoted. Baez is finally learning the difference.

 
JJ Wetherholt (INF)
There’s prospect hype—and then there’s what Wetherholt is doing. A .405 OBP this spring and complete control of the strike zone has elevated him into elite territory. Not just organizational elite—baseball-wide elite. He didn’t just make the club—he claimed second base. Quietly, confidently, and without giving it back.

Old School Take:
The game still starts with putting the bat on the ball. Wetherholt does that as well as anyone coming up.

 
Quinn Mathews (LHP)
Healthy again, and it shows. Mid-90s velocity, command, and seven strikeouts without a walk in his final spring outing. That’s not projection—that’s performance. He’ll headline Memphis to start the year, but don’t get too comfortable reading those box scores.

Old School Take:
Availability is a skill—but so is resilience. Mathews is earning his way back the right way.

 
➖ Stock Holding

Leonardo Bernal (C)
Still one of the most dependable young catchers in the system. Gold Glove defense, strong game-calling, and a mature approach at the plate. The power hasn’t arrived yet, but everything else is trending in the right direction.

Old School Take:
If you can catch, you’ll find your way into the lineup. The bat just determines where.

 
Michael McGreevy (RHP)
No surprises here—and that’s a compliment. Throws strikes, limits damage, and now slots into the big-league rotation to start the season. He may never headline a staff, but every good club needs someone like this.

Old School Take:
Every rotation needs a man who takes the ball and keeps you in the game. McGreevy fits that mold.

 
Won-Bin Cho (OF)
Steady after a rocky stretch in 2024. The raw power is still there, and the approach remains disciplined. He hasn’t forced the issue—but he hasn’t faded either. For now, he’s holding his ground.

Old School Take:
Prospects don’t all rise at once. Some take the long road—and that’s just fine.

 
📉 Stock Falling

Chase Davis (OF)
The concern is no longer quiet. Nearly a 30% strikeout rate at Double-A and limited power production have raised real questions. For a first-round pick, the expectations—and the spotlight—aren’t going anywhere.

Old School Take:
At some point, potential has to turn into production. The clock doesn’t stop ticking.

 
Thomas Saggese (INF)
Time away at the WBC didn’t help his case this spring. The glove plays, but the bat hasn’t taken the step forward many expected. Too many whiffs, not enough impact. He’s at a crossroads heading into 2026.

Old School Take:
You don’t lose your job in March—but you can lose your momentum.

 
Tink Hence (RHP)
The talent is still there—but so are the durability concerns. Injuries continue to interrupt his development, and he’s yet to reach 100 innings in a season. That’s not a small footnote—that’s the story right now.

Old School Take:
Ability opens the door. Durability keeps you in the room.

 
 
For the Record
The Prospect Stock Market Report is for evaluation and discussion purposes only. Player value does not truly fluctuate week to week—but performance can reveal direction, and direction is worth tracking.