Joshua Baez Emerges as Power Prospect for St. Louis Cardinals
Joshua Baez, a 22-year-old Cardinals prospect, has hit 17 home runs at Triple-A Memphis this season, more than any current Cardinals player, while also demonstrating improved plate discipline and defensive skills. The outfielder was drafted in 2021 after being ranked as the No. 24 prospect and was compared to Mike Trout due to his combination of speed and power. The Cardinals organization is taking a patient developmental approach with Baez, prioritizing his long-term growth over immediate major-league promotion despite his strong spring training performance.
Joshua Baez, a 22-year-old outfielder in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, has emerged as a promising power prospect after hitting 17 home runs at Triple-A Memphis, surpassing the home run total of any current Cardinals player. Originally drafted in the second round in 2021 and signed away from a Vanderbilt commitment for $2.25 million, Baez was ranked as the No. 24 overall prospect entering the draft and drew comparisons to MLB star Mike Trout. His development was interrupted by left wrist surgery in 2022, but he has shown significant improvement in recent seasons, batting .287 with improved strikeout-to-walk ratios in 2025. Cardinals president of operations Chaim Bloom has emphasized the organization's commitment to a patient developmental approach, noting that Baez was returned to the minors after hitting three consecutive home runs during spring training to focus on pitch recognition and strike zone mastery. Bloom cited the example of Jordan Walker's early promotion to the majors at age 21 in 2023 as a cautionary tale, suggesting the organization now prioritizes helping players reach their ceiling rather than pursuing short-term gains.
What's missing
The article does not provide details on Baez's specific strikeout rate (81 in 59 games) in context of league averages or comparable prospects, nor does it explain what specific pitch recognition issues he is working to overcome. Additionally, there is limited discussion of the competitive pressure the Cardinals face or whether their patience strategy has proven successful with other prospects beyond the Jordan Walker example.
How coverage differed
Forbes frames this as a positive development story focused on Baez's potential and the Cardinals' strategic patience, emphasizing organizational wisdom in player development. The article presents management's perspective without significant counterargument from those advocating for immediate promotion.
What different sources said
- ForbesCenter
Can Outfielder Joshua Baez Give St. Louis Cardinals Much-Needed Power?
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