3 Top Prospects Cardinals Fans Can Expect to See in the MLB This Year
By Parker White
The St. Louis Cardinals appear to be in the mix to win the NL Central, and at the very least they'll contend for a Wild Card spot. However, as we all know, injuries happen and you're going to need reinforcements to supplement you roster, and that usually comes from the minor league system. Here are three top prospects that Cardinals fans can expect to see in MLB this year.
3. INF Tommy Edman
Paul Goldschmidt and Paul DeJong have been the best offensive performers for the Cardinals, but the other two infield spots haven't seen a lot of production. That means they might turn to an internal candidate for a spark, and Tommy Edman has been doing the job at Triple-A. He may not be a big power guy, but in 28 games so far he's hitting .336 with 15 extra-base hits and a .929 OPS. He's a switch-hitter who puts the ball in play, and his ability to stand in at multiple positions on the infield is a plus.
2. RHP Ryan Helsley
You can never have too much pitching, and the next pitcher in line down on the farm to help the staff is right-hander Ryan Helsley. It's still a question as to whether he's a future starter or a weapon out of the pen, but in six appearances (three starts) he's 1-0 with a 3.94 ERA. Helsley can touch triple digits with his fastball and possesses a power curveball. He has the stuff to get big league hitters out, and if they don't need an emergency start, Helsley could be a gunslinger coming out of their bullpen.
1. C Andrew Knizner
I don't think Cardinals fans think Yadier Molina will ever stop playing, but he's a 36-year-old catcher and is seemingly heading toward retirement. That also means he'll need some added days off to preserve his body and healthy down the stretch. Luckily, the Redbirds have a catcher of the future waiting in the wings at Triple-A. Andrew Knizner is not the defender Yadi is, but the dude can hit, as he's slashing .308/.368/.481 with four home runs and 14 RBI in 27 games. It's only a matter of time until he's the back up to Molina, with his eyes set on being the starter down the road.