The St. Louis Cardinals have enhanced their minor league pitching depth by signing right-handed pitchers Domenic Picone and Zeke Wood to minor league contracts. Both pitchers have been assigned to the Single-A Palm Beach Cardinals of the Florida State League.
At 24 years old, Domenic Picone brings an impressive resume to the Cardinals’ system. Before his contract was purchased by St. Louis, Picone dominated the Atlantic League with the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars. In 10 games, including nine starts, he posted a 2-5 record with a 4.56 ERA over 47 1/3 innings. What stands out most is his league-leading 56 strikeouts, showcasing his ability to miss bats and overpower hitters.
Picone, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound right-hander, signed with Hagerstown in 2024 after completing his college career at St. Joseph’s. His 2024 performance with the Boxcars included a 0-2 record and a 4.95 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 40 innings across eight starts. His consistent ability to generate strikeouts makes him an intriguing addition to the Cardinals’ farm system, where he’ll look to refine his skills and climb the organizational ladder.
Zeke Wood, 25, joins the Cardinals after a stellar season with the Cleburne Railroaders of the American Association. In 19 relief appearances, Wood posted an impressive 2.11 ERA across 21 1/3 innings, striking out 33 batters. His ability to limit runs while maintaining a high strikeout rate highlights his potential as a reliable bullpen arm. Wood’s performance in the American Association demonstrates his readiness to take on a new challenge in affiliated baseball with the Cardinals.
Wood’s low ERA and high strikeout numbers suggest he possesses a strong repertoire, likely featuring a mix of velocity and deception that could translate well to the Florida State League. As he joins the Palm Beach Cardinals, Wood will have a chance to compete for a role in a bullpen that could serve as a stepping stone to higher levels of the minors.
