Cardinal's Talent for Grooming Catchers Shines with Latest Prospect
In the world of Major League Baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals have long been known for their exceptional catchers, with names like Yadier Molina, Mike Matheny, and Ted Simmons gracing their roster. As the 2025 season unfolds, a new generation of catching prospects is making waves within the Cardinals' organisation, with Leonardo Bernal, Rainiel Rodriguez, and Jimmy Crooks III leading the charge.
At 21 years old, Leonardo Bernal has been turning heads this season, excelling at the Double-A level. With a strong .290 batting average, 9 home runs, and a .373 on-base percentage, Bernal is currently slashing .290/.373/.538, boasting a 146 wRC+. His impressive performance has earned him a spot as the Cardinals' fifth-best prospect and the 11th-ranked prospect in 2023. Bernal's defensive skills are equally impressive, with a 38% success rate in throwing out would-be base stealers this season.
Meanwhile, Rainiel Rodriguez, at just 18 years old, is making a name for himself as the most intriguing catching prospect in the system. Ranked #5 overall in the Cardinals' prospect list, Rodriguez has shown impressive power, hitting 8 home runs in 23 games across the Florida Complex League and Single-A Palm Beach. His hitting ability is lauded by John Mozeliak, the Cardinals' President of Baseball Operations, who described him as a prospect to watch. Defensively, Rodriguez demonstrates agility and strength in blocking pitches, though his footwork needs refinement.
Jimmy Crooks III, though not as statistically impressive as Rodriguez and Bernal, is still a key prospect within the Cardinals' system. Ranked among the top catching prospects, Crooks is projected to reach Triple-A in 2025, complementing the tandem of Rodriguez and Bernal.
The Cardinals have a rich history of trusting their catchers, and with these young talents, their future looks bright. However, with the potential of the prospects, the team may face some tough decisions. Pedro Pages and Ivan Herrera have been given opportunities due to injuries, but neither has solidified themselves as the catcher of the future for the Cardinals.
As the season progresses, Bernal is expected to be promoted to Triple-A by season's end, potentially forming one of the best catching tandems in the minors alongside Jimmy Crooks III. The performances of Rodriguez, Bernal, and Crooks indicate a strong future catching depth for St. Louis.
[1] - Source: St. Louis Cardinals official website [2] - Source: MLB.com Prospect Watch
Leonardo Bernal's exceptional performance in the 2025 season, with his impressive statistics, has earned him a spot as one of the Cardinals' top prospects and a rank among the MLB's top prospects. Rainiel Rodriguez, the youngest among the trio, ismaking a name for himself as a promising catching prospect for the Cardinals, with his impressive power and agility behind the plate.
