Most Likely Cardinals Prospects to Be Called Up This Year Ranked

The St. Louis Cardinals spent the offseason rebuilding the farm system by trading veterans away, including Brendan Donovan, Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras.

St. Louis' roster at the big league level already is young, but it wouldn't be a shock to see some of these prospects make the jump to the big leagues at some point in 2026.

Let's take a look at the Cardinals' top-10 prospects and rank them based on who is most likely to make the jump to the big leagues at some point in 2026. It's important to note that JJ Wetherholt is still technically the team's No. 1 prospect, but he's already in the big leagues.

Most Likely Cardinals Prospects To Get The Call To The Big Leagues

Mar 28, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop JJ Wetherholt (26) is doused with water by shortstop Masyn Winn (0) and left fielder Nathan Church (27) after hitting a walk-off two run single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the tenth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

No. 1 — JJ Wetherholt (No. 1 Prospect)

Chances: 100 percent

Explanation: Wetherholt made the club out of camp, but hasn't graduated from prospect status yet, so he has to technically be included here.

No. 2 — Jimmy Crooks (No. 8 Prospect)

Chances: 85 percent

Explanation: Crooks got some time in the majors in 2025, but didn't make the club out of camp. The Cardinals have Iván Herrera, Pedro Pagés and Yohel Pozo in the majors right now. The Cardinals are one injury away from giving Crooks another shot. With all of the top catching prospects in the organization, the Cardinals need to see what they have in Crooks at some point.

No. 3 — Quinn Mathews (No. 7 Prospect)

Chances: 75 percent

Explanation: There is a lot of pitching talent in the organization right now. Mathews impressed in Spring Training, though. Like Crooks, Mathews is an injury or two away from getting a shot in the majors.

No. 4 — Joshua Báez (No. 4 Prospect)

Chances: 70 percent

Explanation: Báez made the case for himself in Spring Training. Although he didn't get a look in left field right away this season in the majors, his time will come if he can stay hot down in the minors.

No. 5 — Leo Bernal (No. 6 Prospect)

Chances: 55 percent

Explanation: Bernal, like Crooks, is one of the top catching prospects for the organization. He's right on the doorstep to the big leagues as well. At some point, the Cardinals are going to need to sort out these catching prospects. Bernal is close to the majors, like Crooks. He'll get a chance at some point.

No. 6 — Liam Doyle (No. 2 Prospect)

Chances: 50 percent

Explanation: Doyle was a first-round pick in 2025 and made the jump to Double-A shortly afterward. If Doyle is going to get the call to the majors in 2026, he needs a big season and even then likely wouldn't be in consideration until late in the year.

No. 7 — Jurrangelo Cijntje (No. 5 Prospect)

Chances: 45 percent

Explanation: Cijntje is electric, but, like Doyle, hasn't pitched past Double-A. If he's going to get the call, it won't be until late in the season.

No. 8 — Rainiel Rodriguez (No. 3 Prospect)

Chances: 10 percent

Explanation: Rodriguez is just 19 years old. His chances of making the big leagues this season are very slim, but nothing can be fully ruled out. In 2027, this will be different.

Incomplete — Brandon Clarke, Tekoah Roby (No. 9 and No. 10 prospect)

Explanation: Both are injured right now. We'll check back in when healthy. Roby is currently on the 60-Day Injured List.