Cardinals Pitching Prospects Wetherholt, Hjerpe Shine in Minors

As Spring Training approaches, the St. Louis Cardinals have three players ranked in MLB.com's top 100 prospects, with JJ Wetherholt leading at #23, followed by Quinn Mathews at #45, and Tink Hence at #77. Notably, 23-year-old catcher Jimmy Crooks narrowly missed the cut, though he was ranked #88 by Baseball Prospectus, highlighting his potential after a strong collegiate performance. Hence, the Cardinals' top pitching prospect, credited veteran Keynan Middleton for enhancing his slider grip and mental approach during Spring Training, despite Middleton's injury preventing him from pitching this season. The Cardinals are focusing on developing their younger talent as they enter a quasi rebuild phase, with Wetherholt's strong performance and versatility being key components of their future strategy. Crooks, recognized for his offensive skills, is also expected to contribute as he continues to grow in the organization. The Cardinals are keen to leverage this talent pool to strengthen their lineup in the coming seasons.