Cardinals Farm Report: Joshua Baez Finding Stride for High-A Peoria
While the St. Louis Cardinals keep surging against MLB opponents, the team's farm system is excelling, too.
Here's a look at the top players in the organization from last week and a player to keep an eye on:
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Joshua Baez, Peoria Chiefs (High-A)
High-A Peoria Chiefs outfielder Joshua Baez put up video game numbers in five games last week, going 12-for-24 while scoring six times and driving in four. The 21-year-old collected two doubles, a triple and seven stolen bases while slashing .500/.520/.667. Baez has been Peoria's best hitter in 2025; he's currently leading the team with 38 hits, 19 RBI and 18 stolen bases in 32 games.
St. Louis Cardinals minor league outfielder Joshua Baez warming up in the on-deck circle for a 2024 at-bat.Matt Dayhoff / Journal Star / USA Today Network
JJ Wetherholt, Springfield Cardinals (Double-A)
Cardinals No. 1 prospect and current Double-A Springfield Cardinal JJ Wetherholt has been off to a hot start at his new level this season, ramping up his production last week with a .750 slugging percentage in five games. The 2024 seventh overall pick drove in six runs on seven hits, including two doubles and two home runs, in 20 at-bats. Wetherholt is currently batting .296 in 27 games so far this year.
Ixan Henderson, Springfield Cardinals (Double-A)
The team's No. 25 prospect, left-handed pitcher Ixan Henderson, had two solid starts for Springfield last week, striking out 13 batters in 10 2/3 innings of work. The former eighth rounder carried a 2.53 ERA through the two games, allowing just three total runs while holding opposing hitters to a .225 average. Henderson is rocking a 2.25 ERA through 36 innings across seven starts this season, racking up 45 strikeouts in total.
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Player to keep an eye on
Triple-A Memphis utility man Bryan Torres has had a hot start to the season despite having a down week. The 2024 Peninsula Winter League MVP is coming off of an impressive season with Springfield and seems to be on a mission to crack the Cardinals' big-league roster - or any big-league roster - before he's ready to hang up the cleats.
The 27-year-old spent two years playing unaffiliated ball from 2022 to 2023 after being released from the Cincinnati Reds organization following the 2021 season. The Cardinals signed Torres prior to last season, and he has been a force at the plate ever since. He finished last season with a .331 average and .418 OBP and is currently carrying a .324 average with a .434 OBP through 33 games at the Triple-A level this season.
Related: Cardinals-Royals Among MLB's Most Heated Rivalries
Related: Cardinals Projected to be Buyers at MLB Trade Deadline
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