Prospect with deep seating on the Cardinals roster maintains complete domination over minor league pitching staffs
St. Louis Cardinals' Nathan Church Shines in Triple-A, Boosting Trade Value
In the heart of the 2025 baseball season, 24-year-old outfielder Nathan Church is making waves in the St. Louis Cardinals' minor league system, particularly with his impressive performance in Triple-A Memphis.
Currently, Church is posting strong offensive numbers, with a .358 average and a 1.010 OPS. His July statistics are even more impressive, slashing .304/.364/.443/.807, leading the Cardinals' minor league system with 24 hits that month. This form positions him as a depth outfield option for the Cardinals.
Church's journey with the Cardinals began in 2022, when he was selected in the 11th round of the draft from UC Irvine. Since then, he has steadily progressed through the minors, showing consistent hitting ability at each level. His breakout season in 2025 has significantly improved the Cardinals' minor league system.
Statistically, Church's performance at Triple-A Memphis suggests he is establishing himself as a solid prospect. He demonstrates good contact skills and plate discipline, with his walks and strikeouts balanced during July. His minor league experience and July form make him an attractive trade piece to other MLB teams seeking outfield depth or minor league talent.
However, the fate of Church with the Cardinals remains uncertain. The team is currently overflowing with left-handed hitting outfielders in both the major leagues and Triple-A Memphis. The Cardinals' President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak, has expressed interest in acquiring a right-handed power bat at the trade deadline. Dealing Nathan Church for a mid-level pitching prospect could be a beneficial move for the Cardinals.
Prior to his breakout season, Church had an unspectacular .268 average in 2024 with Double-A Springfield. However, after his impressive performance in Double-A, he was promoted to Triple-A Memphis. Church's success in 2025 has seen him ranked 11th on Baseball America's top 30 prospects list for the Cardinals.
While Church is not currently a top-ranked prospect, his recent performance and steady progression make him a player of interest within the Cardinals system. His defensive skills, combined with his solid hitting, make him a valuable asset. However, his power is limited, making him more of a gap hitter than an over-the-fence threat.
In conclusion, Nathan Church’s 2025 statistics indicate promising Triple-A hitting performance, and while not a marquee prospect, he holds some trade value as a reliable, developing outfielder in the Cardinals’ system. As the trade deadline approaches, the Cardinals may need to consider reducing their surplus of left-handed hitters, and Nathan Church could be a potential trade asset for addressing more pressing needs.
Nathan Church's strong performance in Triple-A Memphis has increased his trade value in Major League Baseball, making him an appealing prospect for teams seeking outfield depth or minor league talent. As the Cardinals have an abundance of left-handed hitting outfielders, trading Church for a mid-level pitching prospect could be a strategic move to address more pressing needs.
