Central STL News

Rerank season for baseball prospects is approaching, as MLB Pipeline prepares to update its Top 30 prospect lists and Top 100 overall rankings next week. The updates will incorporate recent draft picks and reflect notable player developments across all 30 Major League organizations.

For the St. Louis Cardinals, outfielder Joshua Baez has seen a resurgence in his prospect status. Previously on the team’s Top 30 list, Baez had fallen off due to high strikeout rates early in his minor league career. This season, he has improved his swing and reduced his strikeout rate to 23.2 percent while splitting time between High-A and Double-A levels. Baez continues to display power at the plate and speed on the bases, leading the Cardinals’ system with 43 stolen bases this year. He is set to be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this offseason.

The review also highlights rising talents from other teams, including Gage Stanifer of the Blue Jays, Esteban Mejia of the Orioles, T.J. Nichols of the Rays, and Brandon Clarke of the Red Sox—all pitchers who have posted strong numbers or shown significant improvements in their arsenals during 2025.

Position players making strides include Max Anderson of the Tigers, who has cut down on ground balls and increased power output at Double-A Erie; Gabby Gonzalez of the Twins, now playing at Triple-A; and Pedro Ramirez of the Cubs, who remains one of their most consistent hitters since signing out of Venezuela.

Several prospects are overcoming injuries or past setbacks—such as Brendan Beck (Yankees), Tanner McDougal (White Sox), JR Ritchie (Braves), and Kyle Karros (Rockies)—and are posting solid performances after returning to play.

International signees like Kendry Chourio (Royals) and Argenis Cayama (Giants) are moving up organizational rankings after strong showings in their respective leagues.

The forthcoming MLB Pipeline rerank will fold these developments into updated lists as teams assess which young players could impact future rosters.

"Baez has also proven adept at stealing bags with 43 this season, the most in the Cards' system," according to MLB Pipeline’s review. "He will be Rule 5 Draft-eligible this offseason for the first time."

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