By Sandy McMillan
The Cardinals’ farm system and player development processes have commanded the respect of other MLB organizations for much of their existence. They have developed numerous great players, especially over the last decade, when they have consistently ranked near the top. Armed with such a powerful system, the Cardinals have routinely churned out productive big leaguers. Sometimes, these players are well-known and are expected to contribute. However, others, such as Brendan Donovan, seemingly come out of nowhere only to impact the major league club. Those invested in the organization know that nobody comes from nowhere. Though many players are underrated outside of the organization, they show signs of productivity throughout their minor league journey.
This piece will highlight five players with the chance to impact the big league club within the next two seasons, however it will avoid the obvious names, such as Jordan Walker or Gordon Graceffo. Though Cardinals’ farm system is loaded with top end talent, they also boast incredible organizational depth. Talented players litter each level of the system. We’ll examine these five players and classify them by how important their names are to learn. Without further ado, let’s begin!
Freddy Pacheco
Signed out of Venezuela in November of 2017, Pacheco has been a highly productive minor leaguer. In 205 MiLB innings split over four seasons and five levels, Pacheco has registered a career ERA of 3.16, and a career WHIP of 1.220. Though walks have been an issue (5.8 BB/9), he possesses incredible strikeout potential. He has a career 14.3 K/9. Importantly, Pacheco’s control improved in 2022 as he spent extended time in AAA. In 33.2 innings at the minors’ highest level, he kept his walk ratio at a career low 3.2/9 while continuing to strike out batters at an elite rate.
This intriguing profile gives Pacheco a legitimate chance to break camp with the Cardinals and join the Opening Day roster. His strikeout stuff could fill a major hole at the back of the Cardinals’ pen. Even if he misses out on the Opening Day roster, Pacheco is likely to see MLB action as some point this season. I think Pacheco has a real shot at developing into an effective high-leverage reliever with the potential to close games. If he manages to develop a true out-pitch against lefties Pacheco’s ceiling jumps even higher. He’s a name to learn right now, as he will likely impact the big league club within the next six months.
Priority: Very High!
Moisés Gómez
Gómez spent six seasons in the Rays’ system before breaking out this year in a big way. He smashed 39 home runs to lead MiLB and still hit near .300. After absolutely dominating AA for 60 games (1.106 OPS), he made the jump to AAA where he continued his incredible season. He finished 2022 with an OPS of .996. Though he had a high K% (34%), he continued to produce for the entirety of the season. Gómez takes enough walks and makes hard enough contact to produce even with a high strikeout rate.
Gómez had fizzled out into a non-prospect following 6 uninspiring seasons with Tampa’s affiliates. However, his monster 2022 season resuscitated his career and his status as a future big leaguer. He now seems likely to debut in 2023. It’s been an incredible turnaround to say the least. Gómez’s biggest obstacle now is the Cardinals’ organizational depth. At 24, he remains young enough to get chances should he perform. Unfortunately, he remains behind a glut of outfielders. The Cardinals figure to mix in Dylan Carlson, Lars Nootbaar, Tyler O’Neill, Jordan Walker, Alec Burleson and Juan Yepez. Complicating matters is the desire to find more plate appearances for Noolan Gorman and Brendan Donovan, who could both potentially play corner outfield spots. This leaves Gómez as somewhat of an afterthought in many ways, however his incredible season and power potential cannot be ignored. Something working in Gómez’s favor is his inclusion on the 40 man roster. Gómez will likely not receive a ton of chances, but I believe his great 2022 and his inclusion on the 40 man roster make a 2023 debut likely. If he manages to produce in a limited role, the Cardinals will continue to give him opportunities. As shown with Lars Nootbaar, the Cardinals will reallocate plate appearances to players that produce.
Priority: High
Connor Thomas
Connor Thomas is the first of three intriguing starting prospects we will discuss. Thomas was drafted in the 5th round back in 2019. He has an interesting four pitch mix and mid-rotation upside. After an impressive AAA stint in 2021 (101.2 IP, 3.10 ERA), Thomas seemed to regress significantly in 2022. His ERA ballooned to 5.47 in 135 innings. His WHIP rose while his strikeout percentage fell. He walked more batters and allowed more hits. Until this fall, 2022 appeared to be a lost year for Thomas. However, his trip to the Arizona Fall League completely salvaged his year. Thomas pitched incredibly, capturing AFL pitcher of the year honors along the way. He scattered 34 strikeouts across 25.2 innings and recorded an ERA of 1.75. His 32% strikeout rate was over twice what it was in AAA.
Much like Gómez, Thomas resuscitated a fizzling career with an incredible showing. He also made a 2023 debut much more likely. The Cardinals decided against adding pitching help this offseason even though only one current starter, Steven Matz, is under contract for 2024. Thus, 2023 will likely serve as an audition of sorts for Thomas and other young starters. Though Andre Pallante, Dakota Hudson, and potentially Zack Thompson remain ahead of him on the depth chart, Thomas still seems likely to debut this season. I predict Thomas to debut sometime around August in the bullpen, but he is certainly a candidate to make spot starts considering his potential role in 2024. 2023 will likely be a critical season for Thomas’ career.
Priority: Moderate
Michael McGreevy
Drafted just two seasons ago in the first round of 2021, McGreevy has rocketed through the system. The lefty spent much of 2022 at AA where he registered 4.64 ERA in 99 innings. He walked only 2.4/9 but struggled to strike batters out. This continued his trend of solid control but hittable stuff. He projects as a solid back end starter with some upside if he gains velocity or break. McGreevy will likely never be a dominant strikeout pitcher, but he induces weak contact. McGreevy’s floor is remarkably high thanks to his strong control.
The Cardinals hope that McGreevy will spend the majority of 2023 in AAA, and, should he pitch effectively, he could debut in September. However, a 2024 debut seems much likelier. As a younger pitcher in the system, he isn’t necessarily a high priority, thus his name is worth learning but you may not need to know it for another year or so. I figure that McGreevy will continue his quick development and will be in the mix for a starting position in 2024.
Priority: Low - For Now
Inohan Paniagua
Paniagua is arguably the most interesting player on this list. He has the highest ceiling and could someday become a front-end starter. He has powerful stuff and high velocity. His biggest issue is his small frame. At just 6’1” and 150 lbs, Paniagua is significantly undersized. With added weight, he could add several ticks to his heater. In 137.2 innings in 2022, Paniagua pitched to a sparkling 2.87 ERA. He struck out plenty of batters and walked few. After advancing to A-Advanced this past season, he seems likely to move through the system quickly. He will play this season as age 22 but could reach AAA. A 2024 debut seems likely and he figures to factor into the Cardinals’ pitching plans that season.
Paniagua reminds me of Gordon Graceffo in 2022. He has a ton of potential and could someday lead a staff. He’s coming off of a breakout season but there is plenty more. I believe a strong 2023 will put his name firmly on the radar of nearly every Cardinal fan. Expect to hear him talked about at length next offseason as a strong candidate for the 2024 starting rotation. Paniagua may not be well known now, but he will be soon.
Priority: Low - For Now
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