Joshua Baez: Everything you need to know

The Cardinals optioned Baez to Triple-A Memphis on Monday. Shortly after homering in his third straight Grapefruit League game, Baez is cut from big-league camp. The 22-year-old had a breakout 2025 season, hitting .287/.384/.500 with 20 homers and 54 stolen bases between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield. If Baez is able to carry over that success into a hot start in 2026, he could push for a major-league debut sooner rather than later.

Baez popped a two-run home run in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles. Baez's seventh-inning blast off of Nestor German traveled 416 feet and was measured at 109.4 mph off the bat. It's the third long ball in as many games for Baez, who was added to the Cardinals' 40-man roster this offseason after a breakout 2025 campaign that saw him slash .287/.384/.500 with 20 homers and 54 stolen bases between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield. Baez drew his first start in left field this spring Monday, and there is playing time available at that position with Lars Nootbaar (heels) expected to begin the season on the injured list. It's unlikely St. Louis would consider the 22-year-old for its Opening Day roster, but Baez could debut at some point this summer if he continues his upward trajectory.

Baez swatted a two-run home run and drew a walk in Grapefruit League action Friday versus the Orioles. Baez didn't start the contest, but he entered as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning and took Albert Suarez deep with a 436-foot home run that came off the bat at 110.8 mph. He remained in the game and drew a walk in his other plate appearance. Baez is not going to make the Cardinals' Opening Day roster, but he was added to the 40-man roster this winter after a breakout season and could force his way into the 2026 picture for St. Louis at some point during the summer.