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The Cardinal Chronicle In the SpotlightTink Hence: Electric Arm, Unfinished ChapterSt. Louis, MO By Ray MileurFew pitching prospects in the Cardinals organization have generated as much intrigue over the past several seasons as right-hander Tink Hence. Armed with one of the most dynamic arsenals in the system, Hence enters the 2026 season at an important crossroads in his development — a pitcher with frontline potential still working to translate talent into innings.Hence, 23, was selected by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft and quickly emerged as one of the most exciting young arms in the organization. At his peak on the prospect lists, he was ranked the No. 3 prospect in the Cardinals system and No. 68 overall in baseball, a reflection of the rare combination of stuff and swing-and-miss ability he brings to the mound.Even now, despite a slide in prospect rankings due largely to missed time, evaluators continue to view Hence as possessing some of the most electric pure stuff in the Cardinals pipeline. Entering 2026, Baseball America ranks him as the No. 16 prospect in the organization, while scouting reports still highlight the elite quality of his pitch mix.His fastball typically sits 94–97 mph and can touch higher, featuring late life that allows it to play up in the zone. Baseball America previously rated it as the best fastball in the Cardinals system, a testament to both its velocity and movement.Hence pairs that fastball with a tight mid-80s slider, another pitch recognized by Baseball America as the best slider in the organization. The slider serves as his primary strikeout weapon and is capable of missing bats against both right- and left-handed hitters.The third pitch may be the most impressive of all. His changeup, thrown with excellent arm speed and fading action, was once recognized by MLB Pipeline as the best changeup among all Top-100 prospects in baseball. When all three pitches are working together, Hence shows the repertoire of a potential top-of-the-rotation starter.Across his first five professional seasons, the results have reflected that swing-and-miss ability. Hence has struck out 31.3 percent of the batters he has faced over 257.1 career innings, an elite strikeout rate that continues to fuel optimism about his future.The challenge has not been stuff.The challenge has been durability.The 2025 season proved particularly frustrating. Hence missed the first seven weeks of the year with a right lat strain, then returned to make eight starts spread across four levels — Springfield (AA), Peoria (High-A), Palm Beach (Low-A), and the FCL Cardinals — as the organization focused on rebuilding his workload.Unfortunately, his season ended early after a shoulder impingement in July, limiting him to a shortened campaign and further delaying his path toward St. Louis.For the Cardinals, the priority entering 2026 is simple: keep Hence on the mound.If he can log consistent innings and build back durability, the talent remains strong enough for him to quickly climb the organizational ladder again. Few pitchers in the system possess his ability to miss bats, and fewer still combine that with a legitimate three-pitch mix.Prospect rankings may rise and fall, but the core evaluation on Hence has not changed.The arm is real.Now the task is proving it over a full season. Photo: PJ Maigi, Springfield Cardinals&nbsp; The Cardinal Chronicle Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, and Projecting the Future.&nbsp;

Tink Hence: Electric Arm, Unfinished Chapter

The Cardinal Chronicle The Future Is Being Built Now St. Louis, MO By Ray MileurFor much of the last two decades, the St. Louis Cardinals were defined by stability. Veteran stars. October expectations. A system that quietly produced the next wave before the previous one had even left the stage.But baseball moves in cycles, and the Cardinals are now stepping into a new one.For the first time in years, the organization is leaning fully into the future — and the early signs suggest the foundation is being laid carefully and deliberately.The most obvious indicator is the upcoming 2026 MLB Draft, where the Cardinals hold six of the top 86 selections: No. 13, 32, 50, 68, 72, and 86.No other team in baseball has that many early picks.Since the DeWitt ownership group purchased the franchise in 1996, this is only the third time the Cardinals have held as many as six selections in the top 86, joining the 2005 and 2012 drafts. Both of those drafts helped replenish the organization’s talent pipeline and contributed to competitive teams in the years that followed.History suggests moments like this matter.The youth movement is already visible inside the organization.Seven of the Cardinals’ top ten prospects opened spring training in Major League camp this year — a clear sign that the next wave of talent is not years away but already knocking on the door.Leading the group is infielder JJ Wetherholt, ranked No. 3 overall prospect in baseball by Baseball America. His arrival represents one of the most highly regarded position players to enter the organization since Oscar Taveras was ranked No. 1 in baseball in 2014.Alongside him is outfielder Joshua Baez, ranked No. 54 overall, whose power and athleticism continue to make him one of the more intriguing upside players in the system.The result of this influx of talent is reflected in how the industry now views the Cardinals' farm system.Entering the 2026 season, St. Louis is ranked as the No. 2 farm system in Major League Baseball, trailing only Pittsburgh. It is the club’s highest ranking since the Cardinals held the top spot in 2013.That ranking is more than just a number on a list.It is a signal that the organization is restocking the pipeline that once fueled one of the most consistent runs of success in franchise history.Cardinals history shows that these moments matter. The organization’s most successful eras have always been built on waves of homegrown talent — the same development pipeline that once produced players like Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Adam Wainwright. When the system is strong, the future in St. Louis usually is too.For Cardinals fans, the coming season may feel different. A roster in transition. Young players learning on the job. A team shaping its identity again.But the Cardinals have never believed in shortcuts.The organization’s greatest runs have always come from patience, development, and trusting the pipeline. With six early draft picks, one of the top farm systems in baseball, and a new wave of talent already knocking on the clubhouse door, the groundwork for the next era of Cardinals baseball is quietly being laid.The names will change. The faces will be younger.But the goal in St. Louis remains the same as it has always been — build it the right way, and let the next generation carry the standard forward.&nbsp; The Cardinal Chronicle Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, and Projecting the Future.

The Future Is Being Built Now

The Cardinal Chronicle Fitts Makes His Case with Power and Poise St. Louis, MO By Ray MileurSpring training is often where roles begin to take shape, and right-hander Alex Fitts is quietly making his case for a spot in the St. Louis Cardinals’ pitching plans.In Wednesday’s exhibition game against Team Nicaragua, Fitts delivered a strong outing out of the bullpen, striking out four over three scoreless innings. While the box score shows four singles allowed, the overall performance reflected the kind of controlled power the Cardinals have been hoping to see this spring.Most encouraging was what didn’t happen.Fitts did not issue a walk, continuing a trend of attacking hitters with confidence and command. Pairing those four strikeouts with his clean control, the right-hander now owns a 5:0 strikeout-to-walk ratio across five scoreless innings in Grapefruit League play.The radar gun has been just as encouraging as the results.Fitts averaged 96.6 mph with his four-seam fastball and 96.2 mph with his sinker, showing the kind of velocity that plays well at the major-league level. For a pitcher competing for a role on a club with postseason aspirations, maintaining mid-90s velocity while filling the strike zone is exactly the combination that gets attention in a major-league camp.Physically, Fitts has always looked the part. The big right-hander generates natural downhill plane, and when he keeps the ball in the zone with conviction, hitters are forced to swing rather than wait him out.That approach was evident again Wednesday. Even with four hits allowed, Fitts avoided damage by staying aggressive in the strike zone, trusting his stuff and forcing hitters to earn their way aboard.The timing of the performance is also notable.Fitts is currently competing for a spot in the Cardinals’ starting rotation, and the club is reportedly considering opening the season with a six-man rotation. If the organization moves in that direction, it could create an additional opportunity for pitchers on the bubble.Spring training decisions rarely hinge on a single outing, but consistency matters. Two appearances into Grapefruit League play, Fitts has delivered exactly that—five scoreless innings, strong velocity, and clean command.For pitchers trying to break through, the formula is simple: throw strikes, miss bats, and give the coaching staff reasons to keep watching.So far this spring, Alex Fitts is doing all three.And if he keeps stacking outings like Wednesday’s, the conversation about the Cardinals’ rotation may soon include his name a little more often. Photo - Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

Fitts Makes His Case with Power and Poise

The Cardinal Chronicle St. Louis, MO By Ray Mileur, the Armchair GMWhy the Cardinals Might Listen on Nootbaar — But Hesitate on BurlesonAs trade speculation begins to circulate around the St. Louis Cardinals, two names consistently surface in discussions with the Houston Astros: Lars Nootbaar and Alec Burleson.Both are left-handed outfield bats. Both have value. But if rival clubs are calling St. Louis, the internal calculus on those two players may not be the same.Lars Nootbaar is the player teams ask about first.Around the league, Nootbaar is viewed as a high-value complementary piece on a contender. He gets on base, plays solid defense in multiple outfield spots, and brings postseason experience. Managers like players who lengthen a lineup without demanding the spotlight.Those traits also make him attractive on the trade market.And that’s where the Cardinals face a classic retooling decision. Nootbaar is good enough to help a contender right now. That naturally raises his trade value, particularly to a club like Houston that is trying to extend its competitive window.If the Cardinals believe another organization would pay a premium—especially in young pitching or upper-level prospects—Nootbaar becomes the type of player front offices at least listen on.Alec Burleson presents a different calculation.Burleson is still developing into the hitter the Cardinals believe he can be. His contact ability is real, his left-handed swing plays well in Busch Stadium, and his power has continued to trend upward.But players like Burleson often carry more value to the club developing them than they do on the open market.Other teams may see a solid hitter. The Cardinals may see a player whose best years are still ahead.In a youth-focused roster transition, that matters.While Nootbaar might bring back a meaningful return today, Burleson may represent something just as important for St. Louis—a controllable bat who could still be climbing toward his peak.That difference is why rival executives believe the Cardinals would at least entertain calls on Nootbaar, while Burleson may be a tougher piece to pry away.Spring training rumors tend to move faster than reality. But as the Cardinals continue reshaping their roster under Chaim Bloom, decisions like these will define how quickly the organization moves toward its next competitive window.Sometimes the most interesting trade discussions aren’t about who teams want.They’re about who teams are actually willing to move.

Why the Cardinals Might Listen on Nootbaar — But Hesitate on Burleson

The Cardinal Chronicle St. Louis, MO By Ray MileurTrade Winds Beginning to Stir Around CardinalsWith Opening Day approaching, the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves squarely in the middle of the rumor mill once again. As the organization continues its transition under president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, rival clubs are increasingly calling about players who could fit both short-term contenders and long-term roster planning.Two names that continue to surface in league circles are outfielders Lars Nootbaar and Alec Burleson, with the Houston Astros frequently mentioned as a potential match.Houston has been searching for left-handed offensive balance in its lineup, and both Cardinals outfielders provide that profile. Nootbaar brings on-base ability, defensive versatility, and postseason experience, while Burleson offers contact hitting and developing power from the left side.At this point, there is no indication a deal is imminent. However, rival executives believe discussions could eventually expand to include a third team if Houston decides to pursue a larger move before Opening Day.Another name quietly appearing in trade speculation is left-handed reliever JoJo Romero. With multiple years of club control remaining, Romero holds value as a controllable bullpen arm—something contending teams often look to add as the season approaches.The rumors come against the backdrop of a dramatic offseason in St. Louis. The Cardinals moved several veteran contracts, including Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan, Sonny Gray, and Willson Contreras, signaling a clear organizational pivot toward financial flexibility and long-term roster construction.Bloom’s approach appears centered on building a sustainable core through player development while maintaining the flexibility to add when the timing is right.That strategy naturally places certain current players into the rumor cycle. Clubs looking to contend now often call rebuilding or retooling teams first, searching for players who can help immediately.For the Cardinals, the question is not simply who might be available—but whether the return would accelerate the organization’s next competitive window.Spring training rumors often fade as quickly as they appear. But with several clubs evaluating their rosters before Opening Day, the trade winds around St. Louis are clearly beginning to stir.&nbsp; The Cardinal Chronicle Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, and Projecting the Future.

Trade Winds Beginning to Stir Around Cardinals

The Cardinal Chronicle St. Louis, MO By Ray MileurMLB Is Chasing the World While Losing the Fans at Home Baseball once lived on every radio and television in America. Today, loyal fans are struggling just to find the game.Not long ago, a woman reached out to me with what should have been a simple question.Her father is ninety years old. He has followed the St. Louis Cardinals his entire life. Through transistor radios, black-and-white television, and generations of ballplayers who came and went, Cardinals baseball has always been part of the rhythm of summer.Her question was straightforward.“How can my dad in Southern Illinois watch the Cardinals this season?”What should have been a simple answer… wasn’t simple at all.Today, following a baseball team requires navigating a maze of blackout restrictions, regional sports networks, streaming subscriptions, and platform exclusivity deals. Depending on where you live, you may need cable, a streaming package, or a specific app. Sometimes more than one.And sometimes, even after paying for all of it, the game is still blacked out.For younger fans who grew up with streaming services, it’s frustrating.For a ninety-year-old lifelong fan, it’s nearly impossible.Commissioner Rob Manfred frequently talks about “growing the game,” and Major League Baseball has aggressively pursued new international markets—from London to Seoul to Mexico City. Expansion itself isn’t the problem. Baseball has always had a global reach.The problem is what’s happening here at home.While MLB searches for new audiences overseas, the league has made it harder than ever for loyal American fans to simply watch their local team. Regional sports network disputes, blackout rules, exclusive streaming contracts, and scattered broadcast platforms have turned what was once the most accessible sport in America into one of the most complicated.In chasing new revenue streams abroad, Major League Baseball risks overlooking the fans who carried the game for generations.For decades, baseball was the easiest sport in the country to follow. You turned on the radio or flipped on the television, and there it was—summer unfolding one inning at a time.No blackout maps. No subscription tiers. No login screens.Just baseball.Today that simple connection is fading, replaced by confusion and frustration. And the people being pushed away are often the most loyal supporters the game has ever known—the retirees who never missed a game, the families who built their evenings around first pitch, the lifelong fans who passed their love of baseball down to the next generation.The ninety-year-old Cardinals fan who now needs a technology consultant just to watch the team he has loved for a lifetime.Baseball doesn’t have a marketing problem.It has a connection problem.The game was built in American living rooms and on American radios. It grew because it was always there—steady, familiar, part of everyday life.If Major League Baseball forgets that, no amount of international expansion will replace what it loses at home.And when a ninety-year-old Cardinals fan can’t figure out how to watch his own team, that should be a warning sign to everyone in the commissioner’s office.Because baseball didn’t become America’s pastime because it was complicated.It became America’s pastime because it was always there.&nbsp; The Cardinal Chronicle Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, and Projecting the Future

MLB Is Chasing the World While Losing the Fans at Home

The St. Louis Cardinal Chronicle 

The St. Louis Cardinal Chronicle is dedicated to preserving Cardinals history, covering today’s game, and following the next generation through the minor leagues. Written in the tradition of the old beat writers, it’s baseball with perspective — steady, faithful, and rooted in a lifelong love for the game.

The St. Louis Cardinal Chronicle, Ray Mileur

The Cardinal Notebook

Tink Hence: Electric Arm, Unfinished Chapter

The Future Is Being Built Now

Fitts Makes His Case with Power and Poise

Why the Cardinals Might Listen on Nootbaar — But Hesitate...

Trade Winds Beginning to Stir Around Cardinals

MLB Is Chasing the World While Losing the Fans at Home