Emerging Pitcher on the Arizona Diamondbacks' Baseball Team, Whose Name Isn't Broadly Discussed Yet, but Likely to Capture Attention in the Coming Future
Tekoah Roby, a 23-year-old pitcher, has been making waves in the St. Louis Cardinals organisation, demonstrating a remarkable journey marked by resilience, growth, and potential.
## Background and Early Career
Born on September 18, 2001, Roby attended Pine Forest High School in Pensacola, Florida, and had committed to play college baseball for Troy University before being drafted by the Texas Rangers in the third round of the 2020 MLB Draft. He made his professional debut with the Down East Wood Ducks in 2021, posting a 2–2 record with a 2.45 ERA.
## Injury History and Development Challenges
Roby's career has not been without its hurdles. He has faced several injuries, including a right elbow strain in 2021 and back and shoulder issues in 2024. These setbacks have limited his innings and raised questions about his durability. Despite these challenges, Roby has shown promise with his electric stuff, and his mechanics and pitches have been refined over time.
## Current Performance and Potential Impact
In 2025, Roby has had a breakout season, dominating at Double-A before earning a promotion to Triple-A. He has shown improved durability and control, posting a 6-3 record with a 3.42 ERA and 75 strikeouts across 68.1 innings. His potential to contribute to the major league team is higher than ever, with many expecting him to make his MLB debut soon.
## Trade to the St. Louis Cardinals
Roby was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals from the Texas Rangers in July 2023, along with John King and Thomas Saggese, in exchange for Jordan Montgomery and Chris Stratton. Since joining the Cardinals, Roby has spoken positively about his new environment and the support he has received, which has helped him navigate his injury history and develop further.
## Roby's Evolution with the Cardinals
Roby's growth isn't just about improved results, but also about the development of his pitching arsenal. He has been impressing the Cardinals' management with his performance in spring training, and he has been using a slider and sinker in addition to his fastball, curveball, and slider. Roby has also implemented a new mid-80s change-up with 900-1100 RPM and great depth. The slider has the potential to join Roby's other pitches as go-to pitches, as it gets up to 90 MPH and has good spin and horizontal action.
## The Cardinals' Bright Future
Roby's emergence as a high-upside arm adds to the Cardinals' growing list of promising pitching prospects. He was added to the Cardinals' 40-man roster this past offseason, further cementing his potential for their 2026 rotation. The Cardinals' increasingly bright future may include Roby as their next big-time arm.
While there is no specific mention of a "spiritual revival" in Roby's journey, his resilience and growth in the face of injury challenges have been notable. His potential impact on the St. Louis Cardinals is significant as he continues to mature and move closer to his major league debut.
Tekoah Roby's impressive performance in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, honing pitches such as a slider, sinker, fastball, curveball, and a new change-up, suggests a potential return to the MLB with a revitalized pitching arsenal. Roby, initially drafted by the Texas Rangers, showcased his baseball skills in leagues like the MLB and minor leagues such as Double-A and Triple-A, further emphasizing his potential impact in major league baseball.
