With the 2026 MLB Draft kicking off soon and the Trade Deadline on the horizon, MLB Pipeline released its refreshed Top 100 Prospects list on June 29. The St. Louis Cardinals maintain a strong presence with three players highlighted: catcher Rainiel Rodriguez at No. 13, left-hander Liam Doyle, and outfielder Joshua Báez, who made a notable climb to No. 50.
The midseason update involved re-voting on the top tier and adjustments based on recent performances, including risers, new entries, and some notable departures. While the Cardinals celebrate their standouts, right-hander Jurrangelo Cijntje was bumped off the list entirely after holding the No. 82 spot previously. His mid-90s fastball, slider, and changeup show promise, but control issues and flyball tendencies have been exposed at Double-A, resulting in a 5.66 ERA and elevated walks/homers in 2026.
Rainiel Rodriguez: Rising Star Behind the Plate (No. 13 Overall)
The 19-year-old Dominican catcher continues his meteoric rise, now sitting at No. 13. Signed for $300,000 in 2024, Rodriguez has crushed pitching at every stop with elite bat speed and pull-side power.
In 2026 at Double-A Springfield, he’s delivered multi-homer games and steady production as one of the league’s youngest regulars. Scouting grades praise his hit (55) and power (65) tools, backed by strong exit velocities. His defensive arm and receiving continue to develop, positioning him as a potential cornerstone backstop with an above-average offensive ceiling and 2028 ETA.
Liam Doyle: High-Upside Left-Handed Arm (No. 23 Overall)
The 2025 first-rounder (No. 5 overall from Tennessee) remains a vital arm in the system. Doyle’s overpowering fastball (up to 99 mph with elite movement) and developing secondaries make him a high-ceiling starter candidate.
At Double-A, the 22-year-old has shown strikeout stuff in high-tempo outings, though command refinement is ongoing. His profile points to mid-rotation or better potential as he polishes his arsenal.
Joshua Báez: Power-Speed Threat on the Rise (Big Jump to No. 50)
Outfielder Joshua Báez delivered one of the stronger jumps (+13 spots to No. 50). The 23-year-old has evolved into a dynamic 20-50 talent, blending plus power with improved contact, speed, and arm strength.
After a breakout 2025 (.287/.384/.500 with 20 HR and 54 SB), Báez has produced at Triple-A Memphis in 2026 with monster exit velocities and a high OPS. Now on the 40-man roster, he’s a strong candidate for a 2026 MLB call-up, with tools to thrive in the outfield.
