Attention all Cardinals fans: It's time to crown the team's top prospect, but the road to the title is anything but straightforward. With trades looming and a crowded field of talent, this year's vote promises to be more contentious than ever. But here's where it gets controversial: without key trades involving Brendan Donovan, JoJo Romero, or Nolan Arenado finalized, we're left to speculate on their impact—or lack thereof—on the prospect rankings. And this is the part most people miss: the real battle might not be at the top, but in the middle of the pack, where three catchers are vying for recognition in a system that rarely sees such depth behind the plate.
Let’s dive in. I’ve decided to kick things off with just five prospects, and here’s why: first, only a handful truly have a shot at the top spot, so why overwhelm you with names that don’t stand a chance? Second, I plan to gradually introduce more prospects as this series progresses, giving you a chance to get to know them without feeling bombarded. Think of it as a slow burn, building anticipation as we go.
In the past, I’ve included anyone ranked in the top 100 by any major site. The Cardinals have eight such prospects on Fangraphs, and Baseball America likely adds a ninth. But here’s the twist: four of those nine won’t make this initial cut. Why? Because, frankly, they don’t have a realistic shot at being number one. This isn’t about exclusion—it’s about focus.
And now, the controversial choice: three of my five picks are catchers. Why? Because Leonardo Bernal, Jimmy Crooks, and Raniel Rodriguez are all top-100 talents, and leaving any one of them out would reveal a bias I’m not willing to show. Each brings something unique to the table, and their interchangeability in rankings makes them impossible to ignore. But don’t just take my word for it—let’s break them down.
Leonardo Bernal (C, 22) had a rough end to his season, but his defensive prowess, plate discipline, and potential for a higher BABIP make him a strong contender. Jimmy Crooks (C, 24) struggled in his MLB debut, but his AAA numbers and elite defensive skills suggest he’s far from done. Raniel Rodriguez (C, 19)? His complex league stats were video game-like, and his Low-A performance at just 18 years old was nothing short of impressive. Then there’s Liam Doyle (LHP, 22), whose 70-grade fastball is one of the best in the minors, and JJ Wetherholt (IF, 23), whose power surge in AAA raises questions about his ceiling.
But here’s the real question: Is this a two-man race, or is there a dark horse waiting to break through? And what about the voting process? Thanks to technical difficulties, we’re experimenting with a secondary poll site. It’s not ideal, but it’s all part of the chaos that makes this so exciting.
So, who’s your pick? And more importantly, what do you think I got wrong? Let’s debate, discuss, and maybe even disagree—because that’s what makes this fun. Vote now, and let your voice be heard!
