Cardinals promote top prospect Joshua Baez for MLB debut amid playoff chase

St. Louis is calling up outfielder Joshua Baez, the franchise’s No. 3 prospect and ranked No. 59 overall by MLB Pipeline, to start in Saturday’s game versus the Cubs, giving him his major-league debut. Baez, 23, delivered a.256/.328/.573 slash line with 34 home runs and 90 RBIs over 103 games for Triple-A Memphis this season. Since being drafted in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft, he has progressed from modest early seasons to a breakout year at High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield.

Manager Oliver Marmol highlighted Baez’s confidence, work ethic and desire to win, while assistant general manager of player development Rob Cerfolio said the prospect has been targeting a.300 average in the second half and is refining his swing beyond pure power. Although the Cardinals are far behind the Brewers for the NL Central title, they remain within striking distance of the wild-card spot, sitting 3½ games back of the Phillies.