Inside The Cardinals

Cardinals Acquire Speedy 17-Year-Old Shortstop With Star Potential

The Cardinals were able to make a solid move in international free agency...
Zach Pressnell|
Sep 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of the hat and glove of St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Nolan Gorman (not pictured) before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Sep 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of the hat and glove of St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Nolan Gorman (not pictured) before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

In this story:

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are seemingly entering a rebuild right now, which means their farm system is as important as ever. They've already swung three trades to bolster their farm system in a huge way.

Earlier in the winter, the Cardinals traded Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox for a haul of prospects. A short while later, they landed more prospects from the Red Sox in exchange for Willson Contreras. Both of these trades pushed the Cardinals in the direction they're looking to go. Earlier this month, the Cardinals also traded Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

If you like our content, choose Sports Illustrated as a preferred source on Google.

They could look to make even more trades to continue bolstering their farm system. Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar make plenty of sense as trade chips. They could net the Cardinals even more prospect capital.

On Thursday, the Cardinals' farm system received a huge upgrade in international free agency.

Carlos Carrion is a huge addition for the Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals log
Feb 26, 2021; Jupiter, Florida, USA; A general view of the St. Louis Cardinals logo on the stadium at Roger Dean Stadium during spring training workouts. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images | Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Baseball America's Ben Badler reported that the Cardinals had signed top shortstop prospect Carlos Carrion to a $1.1 million deal in international free agency. Badler called Carrion one of the best athletes in the entire class.

Carrion, 17, is an elite athlete with high upside. He has smooth hands in the infield, which paired with his athleticism should allow him to stick at shortstop for the long run.

He's a switch hitter who hits better from the left side. He doesn't have incredible raw power, but as he continues to grow and fill out his frame, the power should progress, too.

Carrion's best trait is his speed. He has game-breaking speed with the ability to stretch routine singles into doubles. As he progresses over to professional baseball in the coming years, it's going to be interesting to see how his speed translates.

The Cardinals landed a good prospect with Carrion. He has the potential to be the next international star to come through the minor leagues and into St. Louis.

More MLB: Cardinals Linked To Reunion With Former MVP After Stint With Yankees

Published
Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "St. Louis Cardinals On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

Home/St. Louis Cardinals News