Just when you thought you would be sparred any more Tyler O’Neill propaganda, I strike with the Cardinals Top Prospects list. You just can’t shake it! Tyler O’Neill or no Tyler O’Neill, the Cardinals have long been a strong player development program. Earning the reputation for top notch scouting, homegrown stars have been the calling card of the Red Birds. The highlights of homegrown talent are too deep to list, but more than a few potential hall of famers have passed through this farm system. With a new crop of exciting kids and a AAA team that rivals a few of the weaker MLB lineups, the future remains bright in St. Louis. If only we could say the same for Nelly. If you need an audiobook to go with this, check out yesterday’s podcast! Enough of that, it’s the St. Louis Cardinals Top Prospects.
1) Alex Reyes, RHP | Age: 23 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: Injured Missed Season
Should have graduated off this list a year ago, but the TJ bug got’em. Currently on the 60-day DL, with a return date of Early June tentatively set. Will likely see some time in the bullpen before being stretched out to start at a later date. At his best, Reyes worked 97-99, challenging hitters high in the zone. Mixing his hammer curveball at 78-81, and a high 80’s changeup that was beginning to show the makings of a true third pitch. Toward the end of 2016 he began to tinker with a slider as well. His conditioning and “off-field” issues were question marks, but his fitness has never been better coming off of rehab (that’s typical). We need to temper expectations in the short term for Reyes. But, it’s fun to dream on a power pitcher mixing two different breaking balls, and a plus changeup. It might take two years for the righthander to get back to where he was, but it might be a better version. ETA: 2018
2) Tyler O’Neill, OF | Age: 22 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: .246/.321/.499, 31 HR, 95 RBI, 14 SB
The love affair with O’Neill has gone on for a few years now. He’ll always be one of my guys, I’ll defend him to anybody. Seriously, it’s kind of neurotic. If I hear one more Grichuk, Piscotty, awful comp I’m going to go Falling Down Michael Douglas in this bitch! The King in the North! Let me break it down, here’s O’Neill’s history. Entering 2016, as an Age 20 player at AA, O’Neill hit .293/.374/.508 with 24 homers, 102 RBI, and 12 steals winning MVP honors for the regular season. He followed that up in the playoffs with a standout performance leading Jackson to the Southern League title, and once again capturing MVP. Entering 2017 O’Neill was assigned to AAA Tacoma out of camp, remember he was still a part of the Mariners organization at the time. The first month or so in the PCL was rough on O’Neill as he struggled to adjust. From April 1st to May 15th, O’Neill slashed .208/.281/.362 with a trio of homers. He then seemed to find himself in June slashing .250/.363/.500, walking at a 14.2% clip, before going off in July slashing .317/.394/.730 leading up to the trade to the Cardinals on July 21st. He slashed .253/.304/.548 the next month and a half, before leading the Redbirds to the PCL title with four homers over the playoff run. He returned to Memphis in 2018, and was tied for the minor league lead in homers, with 6 at the time of his April 19th callup to St.Louis. This is a player that has worked hard to improve in all facets of the game, a player who hits the ball hard, takes good at bats, and walks more than you think. He’s faster than you would expect, and is an above average base-stealer, don’t believe me? He’s 26-for-30 on the bases the last two seasons. In my opinion he’s one of the more underrated players in the minors, particulary for fantasy. Will he likely strikeout at a 25%-30% clip during his early years in the majors? Yes, but that’s no longer a deal breaker if you hit 30 dongs, and swipe some bags. I think O’Neill should be owned in all dynasty formats. ETA: 2018
3) Jack Flaherty, RHP | Age: 22 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: 14-4, 148.2 IP, 2.18 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 147 K, 35 Bb
Another player on this list that shouldn’t be on this list. In a perfect world, Flaherty would have already exceeded his limits last season, and broke camp with the big league club. Instead he’s wasting gems in AAA. His combination of a plus fastball, above average slider, and average curveball, and changeup, all play up due to his excellent control. He misses bats, drives weak contact, and is efficient with his pitches getting deep into games. Solid mechanics, and a solid track record of health make Flaherty a high floor investment for a pitching prospect. ETA: 2018
4) Harrison Bader, OF | Age: 23 | Level: MLB | 2017 Stats: .283/.347/.469, 20 HR, 55 RBI, 15 SB
I was a little shocked/not shocked when he broke camp. But it’s not an ideal situation as Bader is essentially a fourth outfielder. He struggles against right-handers, so a lefty specialist platoon guy is sort of his niche at the moment. That said, this kid is a gamer, he hustles on every play, makes hard contact, runs a little, and grinds out at bats. He is an adequate outfielder in multiple spots, and really does deserve a shot at an everyday gig at some point. I like Bader and think he will develop into an average fantasy outfielder that’s owned in most leagues. ETA: 2018
5) Jose Adolis Garcia, OF | Age: 25 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: .290/.340/.476, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 15 SB
A solid all around player with some power, some speed, and a lot of bat to ball contact. The brother of former Braves player Adonis Garcia, Adolis is a more athletic player, with plus running ability, and some developing power. He’s an aggressive hitter that looks to put the ball in play, but the Cardinals are working on his patience at the plate. He’s a little old to be a player with a ton of tools, and a need for refinement, but it’s more like finishing touches,and upgrades, than improvements to foundation skills. But he’s a Cardinals outfielder… Where does he play? Amirite?!? ETA: 2018
6) Max Schrock, 2B | Age: 23 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: .324/.382/.420, 6 HR, 44 RBI, 4 SB
Here’s another player the Cardinals targeted via trade that I like very much. He goes a little under the radar due to his lack of power, speed, or defensive ability, but his hit tool is possibly a 70, I’m not kidding. Schrock can hit, and he’s done it at nearly every level. He’s 15 games into the 2018 season, and his first taste of AAA, and he’s hitting .391. The Cardinals don’t have a ton of infield depth, so the thought of Shrock seeing some time at the MLB level this season is pretty reasonable. He’s running a little more this year, but I’m not sure it will be enough to boost his fantasy upside. Seems like the type of hitter that will carve out a nice major league career, with an outside shot he makes some adjustments to tap into more power. ETA: 2018
7) Andrew Knizner, C | Age: 23 | Level: AA | 2017 Stats: .302/.349/.471, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 1 SB
A good hitter that mixes an above-average hit tool, with pullside power, and plus pitch recognition. Knizner was a breakout prospect in 2017, reaching AA Springfield in his first full professional season, and putting up a line of .358/.403/.537 in the Arizona Fall League. The catcher is back in Springfield to start this campaign, and is hitting a cool .421 with a 1.067 OPS in the early going. The biggest knock on Knizner is his defense behind the plate, and that coupled with the Cardinals log-jam of capable catchers might see him moved off the position, or dealt elsewhere. Let’s all hope he doesn’t rot in the minors for a season or two longer than he should. Make no mistake this is an above-average MLB hitter in the making. ETA: 2019
8) Randy Arozarena, OF | Age: 23 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: .266/.346/.437, 11 HR, 49 RBI, 18 SB
Another older Cuban prospect signing by the Cardinals, Arozarena, like Adolis Garcia is more major league ready despite being just 23. He combines patience, a swing geared toward line-drives, and plus speed. Not going to be a huge power threat, but could be a very good second-division leadoff type. Little bit of SAGNOF lurking. ETA: 2019
9) Carson Kelly, C | Age: 23 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: .283/.375/.459, 10 HR, 41 RBI, 0 SB
The heir apparent to Yadier in St. Louis, though he ranks lower than Knizner on this list, if we gave a damn about catcher defense, etc. Kelly would rank higher. It’s not that he’s a bad hitter, because he’s actually very solid, hitting for contact, getting on-base, and flashing average power. He’s just a long-ways-away from a meaningful gig. As he’s likely to backup Yadier in the coming years, while being groomed to take over. ETA: 2018
10) Yairo Munoz, SS/3B/OF | Age: 23 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: .300/.330/.464, 13 HR, 68 RBI, 22 SB
Coming off a great offensive season in 2017, Munoz was traded alongside Max Schrock to St. Louis. He broke camp with the Cardinals, but was sent down to Memphis after struggling. He’s an aggressive hitter early in the count, which could work against him in the big leagues. He’s a very good basestealer, but possesses just average speed. That said, he hits for some power, steals bases, plays in the middle infield, and is in the mix for MLB reps. That’s worth an add in most dynasty leagues of 14 teams or larger, with enough stash spots to accommodate. ETA: 2018
11) Oscar Mercado, OF | Age: 23 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: .287/.341/.428, 13 HR, 46 RBI, 38 SB
The former infielder tapped into more power, and things really took off for the (then) 22 year old in AA. Always a speedster, Mercado swiped 30+ bags for the third consecutive season, while hitting double digit homers for the first time. The Cardinals and Mercado credit a move to outfield for new found confidence that translated over to the plate. He still struggles with breaking balls, but is on the right path to being a solid 4th outfielder with some power/speed skills. ETA: 2019
12) Dakota Hudson, RHP | Age: 23 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: 10-5, 152.2 IP, 3.01 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 96 Ks, 49 Bb
The Texas League Pitcher of the Year in 2017, Hudson is a power pitcher in need of improved command. His fastball is as nasty as they come but he has trouble hitting his spots, and ultimately limits it from being the plus-plus offering it can look to be to the naked eye. He mixes in a plus slider in the upper-80’s, a low 80’s curveball, and the occasional changeup. Hudson has a mid-rotation ceiling with a middle reliever floor. Should see the majors at some point in 2018. ETA: 2018
13) Dylan Carlson, OF | Age: 19 | Level: A | 2017 Stats: .240/.342/.347, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 6 SB
Sometimes you need to lean on your friends, and this is one such time. While discussing my Cardinals list with fellow prospector and noted Cardinals fan Matt Thompson of FWFB, he drew my attention to 2016 first rounder Dylan Carlson. We often forget about these type of players after a mediocre or poor introduction to pro-ball. Carlson is one such victim in my mind. Early in the 2018 season the returns are good, as Carlson has walked (10 in 11 games), as much as he’s struckout. While flashing improved power year over year, already connecting for 5 extra base hits including two homers. I’m going to steal a take from Matt, and agree that Carlson is going to be the big riser on this list. ETA: 2020
14) Jonathan Machado, OF | Age: 19 | Level: A | 2017 Stats: .323/.381/.435, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 8 SB
A contact and speed player, that ropes line drives all over the field. His plus-plus speed should play up his overall profile, if continues to hit at the level he did in the GCL last season. So far he’s off to a rough start with Peoria, but he’s extremely young and it’s early. Machado’s hit tool was rated as the best in the system by Baseball America in the pre-season, and that’s hefty praise. A top level talent, with an offensive upside that should have him on everyone’s radar in deeper dynasty leagues. ETA: 2021
15) Wadye Ynfante, OF | Age: 20 | Level: RK | 2017 Stats: .299/.374/.491, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 11 SB
A young up and comer, with huge upside, the aggressive rank here because players like Ynfante are my jam. A plus runner, with above average power, coming off a strong pro debut that saw him slash .299/.374/.491, with 7 taters, and 11 bags. He’s prone to swing and miss, and it is a major concern in his profile, but he did show the ability to take a walk, putting up a 9.1% Bb%. Young raw talent, with power and speed. ETA: 2021
Other Names: Victor Garcia, Evan Mendoza, Ryan Helsley, Delvin Perez, Alvaro Seijas, Austin Gomber, Junior Fernandez, Conner Greene, Luke Voit.
Find all of the 30 Minor League Previews, and Offseason Rankings on the Minor League Index
On Twitter as @ProspectJesus
