Player Information
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Name: Jesus Baez
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Position: SS/3B
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Bats/Throws: R/R
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Age: 20 (Born: February 26, 2005)
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Height/Weight: 5’10”, 180 lbs
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Acquired by Cardinals: Trade from New York Mets for RP Ryan Helsley, July 30, 2025
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Signed by Mets: 2022 International Free Agent, $275,000 signing bonus
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ETA: 2027
Background
Jesus Baez was signed by the New York Mets out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on January 15, 2022, for $275,000 during the international signing period. He debuted in the Dominican Summer League (DSL) at age 17, earning the Mets’ DSL Player of the Year award after a strong performance. Baez progressed through the Mets’ minor league system, playing in the Florida Complex League (FCL), Low-A St. Lucie, and High-A Brooklyn before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2025 as part of a package for closer Ryan Helsley. Despite a season-ending meniscus injury in 2024, Baez is regarded as a high-upside prospect with significant power potential.
Scouting Grades (20-80 Scale)
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Hit: 40 (Future: 50)
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Power: 55 (Future: 60)
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Run: 30
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Field: 50
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Arm: 60
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Overall: 50 (High Risk)
His batted ball metrics, including a 111 mph max exit velocity and 104 mph 90th percentile exit velocity, highlight his above-average power potential.
Hitting
Baez is an aggressive hitter with plus-plus bat speed and excellent hand-eye coordination, allowing him to make consistent hard contact. His 2024 season showed improvement in plate discipline, with a .335 OBP and a more balanced approach against breaking and off-speed pitches (.326 BA vs. breaking, .556 vs. off-speed). He pulls the ball frequently (near 50% pull rate) but has worked on using the opposite field, demonstrating mid-swing adjustability. Baez chases pitches outside the zone (27% chase rate), which could limit his batting average against advanced pitching, but his bat-to-ball skills help keep strikeouts manageable. Scouts project him as a potential .240-.260 hitter with above-average on-base ability if he refines his selectivity.
Power
Baez’s plus raw power is his standout tool, driven by a compact, explosive right-handed swing. Despite his 5’10” frame, he generates exceptional exit velocities (up to 111 mph) and consistently elevates the ball, leading to 20 career home runs in 166 minor league games. His 2024 performance at St. Lucie (.444 SLG, 10 HR in 64 G) underscores his ability to translate raw power into games. Scouts highest on Baez see him developing into a plus power hitter with 20-25 HR potential at his peak.
Speed
Baez is a well below-average runner, graded at 30 on the 20-80 scale. His lack of twitchiness and slower foot speed limit his stolen base efficiency (22 SB in 31 ATT career) and range in the field. This deficiency makes him a poor fit for shortstop long-term and contributes to his likely transition to third base.
Defense
Baez has primarily played shortstop but began seeing more time at third base in 2024. His defensive actions and range are average at shortstop, and his thickening frame suggests a move to third base or potentially second base is likely. His plus-plus arm (graded 60, borderline plus) is a significant asset, allowing him to make strong throws from deep positions. Baez’s soft hands and instincts give him a chance to be an average defender at third base, though he may also see time as a designated hitter early in 2025 while recovering from knee surgery.
Intangibles
Scouts praise Baez’s work ethic and confidence at the plate. His ability to adjust to breaking pitches and maintain a positive approach despite a slow start in the FCL in 2023 highlights his mental toughness. The Mets raved about his attitude, and he’s expected to continue developing as a leader in the Cardinals’ system.
