The St. Louis Cardinals are adding a jolt of power and athleticism to their roster, promoting outfielder Joshua Báez from Triple-A Memphis. Manager Oliver Marmol confirmed that Báez will be in the lineup Saturday at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs.
In the corresponding move, infielder César Prieto has been optioned back to Memphis. Prieto had been recalled earlier this month after the trade of Lars Nootbaar and saw limited action.
Báez, the Cardinals’ No. 3 prospect and ranked No. 59 overall by MLB Pipeline, has forced the issue with a strong Triple-A campaign. In 103 games with the Redbirds, the 23-year-old right-handed hitter has posted a .256 average with a .901 OPS, 34 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. The power numbers stand out, and he has shown the ability to impact games with both his bat and his legs.
A second-round pick in 2021 out of Dexter Southfield School in Massachusetts, Báez signed for a $2.25 million bonus and has steadily climbed the system. He broke out in 2025 with a .287 average, 20 home runs, and 54 stolen bases between High-A and Double-A before earning a spot on the 40-man roster that winter. After opening 2026 in Memphis, he continued developing as a versatile outfielder capable of playing all three positions.
The timing aligns with roster flexibility after the Nootbaar trade and the point at which a call-up preserves Báez’s rookie eligibility for 2027. With the Cardinals hovering near the fringes of the National League wild-card picture, the organization is giving the young power bat a look during the final stretch of the season.
Báez’s arrival strengthens outfield depth alongside Jordan Walker, Nathan Church, and others. Marmol indicated he will be in the starting lineup for his major league debut Saturday in Chicago. How the Cardinals deploy him—likely in left field or elsewhere in the outfield—will be worth watching as they evaluate both the present and the future.
Prieto returns to Memphis, where he had been productive earlier this season, after another brief stint in the majors. The move clears the path for one of the system’s most dynamic offensive prospects to take the next step.
For Cardinals fans, Saturday at Wrigley marks the start of the Joshua Báez era in St. Louis.
