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Cardinals Prospects Update: Jordan, Baez, Bernal, and Crooks | Dodgers on Deck: Saturday, May 2 at Cardinals | Cardinals and Marlins Split Series, Paddack Struggles | Cardinals Beat Astros in High-Scoring Affair | Mets-Cardinals Game Delayed by Rain, Mets Secure Series Win | Mets Defeat Cardinals 4-2: Bichette's RBI Single Ends Slump | Giménez and Kirk Homer to Lead Blue Jays Past Cardinals | Cardinals Prospects Update: Jordan, Baez, Bernal, and Crooks | Dodgers on Deck: Saturday, May 2 at Cardinals | Cardinals and Marlins Split Series, Paddack Struggles | Cardinals Beat Astros in High-Scoring Affair | Mets-Cardinals Game Delayed by Rain, Mets Secure Series Win | Mets Defeat Cardinals 4-2: Bichette's RBI Single Ends Slump | Giménez and Kirk Homer to Lead Blue Jays Past Cardinals

Cardinals / Minor League

Cardinals Prospects Update: Jordan, Baez, Bernal, and Crooks

This article provides an overview of the performance of four notable St. Louis Cardinals prospects currently playing for the Memphis Redbirds in Triple-A. We'll delve into their stats, underlying metrics, and potential impact on the Cardina...

What We’re Learning About Four Key Cardinals Prospects in Memphis
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Cardinals Prospects Update: Jordan, Baez, Bernal, and Crooks Image via Viva El Birdos

Key Insights

  • **Blaze Jordan:** Is off to a hot start, showcasing impressive exit velocity and contact rates. While his plate discipline remains a concern, his offensive surge is undeniable. Why this matters: Jordan's performance could earn him a call-up to the Cardinals later in the season.
  • **Jimmy Crooks:** Displays a mixed bag of results, with a high strikeout rate overshadowing his power potential. Needs to improve his chase rate to unlock his full offensive capabilities. Why this matters: Crooks' development could influence the Cardinals' decisions regarding their catching depth.
  • **Leo Bernal:** Showing encouraging underlying metrics in his first taste of Triple-A, maintaining a solid plate approach and contact rate. His max exit velocity hints at untapped power potential. Why this matters: Bernal's progress as a switch-hitting catcher could solidify his future role with the team.
  • **Joshua Baez:** Facing challenges with contact rate against advanced pitching in Triple-A. Needs to adjust his approach and regain his discipline to unlock his power potential. Why this matters: Baez's development will determine whether he can become a viable option in the Cardinals' outfield.

In-Depth Analysis

### Blaze Jordan Blaze Jordan's strong performance in Triple-A Memphis is forcing the Cardinals to take notice. Acquired in a trade for Steven Matz&ref=yanuki.com, Jordan is showcasing his power potential with a .344/.382/.609 slash line and a .992 OPS. His increased hard-hit rate and improved swing decisions are contributing to his success. While concerns remain about his plate discipline, his offensive output could make him a valuable asset for the Cardinals. He is currently blocked by Alec Burleson at first base and Nolan Gorman at third, but an injury to either player could open the door for Jordan to get his chance.

### Jimmy Crooks Jimmy Crooks had a solid, if unspectacular, 2025 season in Memphis. So far, 2026 has been a mixed bag. While Crooks is off to a great start from a results perspective having already hit 4 home runs and carrying a 156 wRC+, his contact and chase rates have both moved in the wrong direction.

### Leo Bernal Unlike Jordan and Crooks, Bernal did not have prior Triple-A experience, so there is much less data in his baseline to compare to. Bernal is having a little trouble chasing too often, but is making contact at an above-average rate. FanGraphs has him rated as having average raw power (50 grade), but his max exit velocity of 112 MPH hints that there could be more in the tank.

### Joshua Baez Baez is surviving, but he is showing why the Cardinals made the correct decision in letting him start the season in Triple-A despite the torrid Spring Training. Triple-A pitchers have attacked Baez with over 40% breaking balls thus far (MLB average is roughly 30%) and Baez has only managed a 56% contact rate. He is doing most of his damage on fastballs with an 80% contact rate, and both of his home runs have come on heaters.

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FAQ

What is Blaze Jordan's current stat line in Triple-A?

As of mid-April 2026, Jordan is slashing .344/.382/.609 with four home runs and a .992 OPS.

What are the main concerns regarding Jimmy Crooks' performance?

Crooks' high strikeout rate and declining contact rates are areas of concern.

What is encouraging about Leo Bernal's performance?

Bernal is maintaining a solid plate approach and contact rate in his first taste of Triple-A.

What challenges is Joshua Baez facing in Triple-A?

Baez is struggling with contact rate against breaking balls.

Takeaways

  • The performance of these four prospects will have a direct impact on the Cardinals' roster decisions moving forward. Jordan's offensive surge could earn him a call-up, while the development of Crooks, Bernal, and Baez will influence the team's long-term plans at catcher and in the outfield. Keep an eye on these players as they continue to develop in Triple-A Memphis.

Discussion

Do you think these prospects will make an impact for the Cardinals this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Disclaimer

This article was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.

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