The once-stocked Cardinals system isn’t as strong as previous years, though that was to be expected after the team graduated Kolten Wong and Carlos Martinez to the major leagues last season and tragically lost a future star in Oscar Taveras.
Outfielder Stephen Piscotty didn't come into the system with a lot of hype but has really turned into an excellent player; dude can flat-out hit, and he’s likely to get his first crack at the major leagues in 2015. 2012 second-round pick Carson Kelly made significant strides in his ongoing transition from third baseman to catcher, while outfielder Charlie Tilson staked his claim one of the team’s top position prospects.
As usual, the Cardinals’ system is also loaded with high-ceiling arms in the lower levels of the minors.
Alex Reyes, a 20-year-old right-hander, has the best arm in the group behind a projectable 6'3", 185-pound frame, but he’s still learning how to harness his outstanding stuff and throw strikes. 2014 first-round pick Jack Flaherty opened eyes in his professional debut after signing, making it clear why the Cardinals seemed designed their draft strategy around landing the prep right-hander.
Southpaw Marco Gonzales, the team’s first-round pick in 2013, excelled toward the end of the regular season and well into October, and it’s hard to see him not receiving strong consideration for a rotation spot next spring. Meanwhile, Rob Kaminsky, another undersized left-hander, has polish and a hammer breaking ball to complement an above-average fastball, both of which served him well last summer in his full-season debut at Peoria.
Here are the St. Louis Cardinals’ top 10 prospects for 2015.
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