St. Louis Cardinals claim Chase Hampton

The St. Louis Cardinals have claimed starting pitcher Chase Hampton off of waivers from the Washington Nationals. Hampton, 25, was 0-6 with an 8.18 ERA, 17 games, 17 starts, 55 innings, 56 strikeouts, 34 walks, and a whip of 1.78 combined between Low-A Tampa, High-A Hudson Valley, and Double-A Somerset in 2026. 

The Nationals had claimed Hampton off of waivers from the New York Yankees on September 12, 2026.

Hampton had his best season in 2023, combined between High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset. That season, Hampton was 4-3 with a 4.30 ERA, 20 games, 20 starts, 106.2 innings, 145 strikeouts, 37 walks, and a whip of 1.14. The wins, games, starts, and innings were all career highs for Hampton.

Overall, Hampton has played 3 minor league seasons. Hampton is 4-10 with a 4.89 ERA, 44 games, 44 starts, 180.1 innings, 217 strikeouts, 80 walks, and a whip of 1.33.

Hampton is a former top 100 prospect who returned from Tommy John surgery in May. This season, Hampton reached 92-94 mph on his fastball; in the past that reached 97 mph,

Hampton seems he is a solid lottery ticket pickup for the Cardinals. If Hampton sticks on the Cardinals 40-man roster, could be end up as a reliever? 

The Cardinals 40-man roster now stands at 39. 
 

St. Louis Blues claim Justin Barron

The St. Louis Blues have claimed defenseman Justin Barron off of waivers from the Nashville Predators. Barron, 24, played 52 games with 9 assists, 9 points, and a -1 with the Predators in 2025-2026. 

Barron had his best season in 2022-2023, with the Montreal Canadiens. That season, Barron played 39 games with 4 goals, 11 assists, 15 points, and a -2. The assists and points were both career highs for Barron. 

In 2023-2024, Barron had a career high (7) goals. 

Barron played a career high (62) games in 2024-2025, combined btween the Canadiens and Predators. 

Overall, Barron has played 5 NHL seasons. Barron has played 208 games with 18 goals, 34 assists, 52 points, and a -27. 

Barron is a former 1st round pick (25th overall) by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2020 NHL Draft. 

Barron could be a good pickup by the Blues. 
 

St. Louis Cardinals promote Cooper Hjerpe

 

The Cardinals have promoted starting pitcher Cooper Hjerpe from Triple-A Memphis. To make room for Hjerpe on the active roster the Cardinals have optioned RHP Hancel Rincon to Triple-A Memphis. Hjerpe, 25, is currently 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA, 15 games, 15 starts, 42 innings, 61 strikeouts, 32 walks, and a whip of 1.26 combined between the Florida Complex League, Low-A Palm Beach, Double-A Springfield, and Triple-A Memphis.

Hjerpe had his best season in 2024, combined between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield. That season, Hjerpe was 2-4 with a 3.27 ERA, 52.1 innings, 76 strikeouts, 28 walks, and a whip of 1.13. The wins tied a career high from 2023 for Hjerpe. The games, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Hjerpe.

Overall, Hjerpe is currently in his 3rd minor league season. Hjerpe is 4-8 with a 3.26 ERA, 40 games, 38 starts, 1 hold, 135.1 innings, 188 strikeouts, 85 walks, and a whip of 1.20.

Hjerpe is currently the Cardinals 18th best prospect.

Hjerpe will wear no.56.

Hjerpe will serve as a piggyback behind starting pitcher Kyle Leahy. 

St. Louis Cardinals to promote Hancel Rincon

The Cardinals plan to promote RHP Hancel Rincon from Triple-A Memphis. Rincon, 24, is currently 6-6 with a 4.03 ERA, 42 games, 3 starts, 3 holds, 1 save, 73.2 innings, 90 strikeouts, 31 walks, and a whip of 1.24 combined between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis in 2026. The games, holds and save are all career highs for Rincon.

Rincon had his best season in 2024, with High-A Peoria. That season, Rincon was 9-7 with a 3.80 ERA, 24 games, 24 starts, 132.2 innings, 105 strikeouts, 48 walks, and a whip of 1.31. The wins and innings tied career highs from 2023 for Rincon. The starts were a career high for Rincon.

In 2025, combined between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield, Rincon had a career high (108) strikeouts.

Overall, Rincon is currently in his 7th minor league season. Rincon is 32-39 with a 3.62 ERA, 150 games, 99 starts, 4 holds, 1 save, 599 innings, 553 strikeouts, 182 walks, and a whip of 1.19.

Rincon's nickname is "El chchillo", which in English means "the Knife".

Rincon is expected to join the Cardinals on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Rincon will wear no.66.

 

St. Louis Cardinals to promote Leo Bernal

 

The Cardinals plan to call up catcher Leo Bernal from Triple-A Memphis. Bernal, 22, is currently hitting .278 with 67 runs, 104 hits, 19 doubles, 2 triples, 16 home runs, 77 RBI's, 9 stolen bases, and 51 walks in 2026. The batting average, runs, hits, home runs, RBI's, and walks are all career highs for Bernal.

In 2024, combined between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield, Bernal had a career high (2) triples.

Bernal had career highs in both doubles (19) and stolen bases (13) in 2025, with Double-A Springfield. Bernal also won the 2025 Minor League Gold Glove Award at catcher.

Overall, Bernal is currently in his 6th minor league season. Bernal has played 485 games with 263 runs, 448 hits, 88 doubles, 7 triples, 55 home runs, 306 RBI's, 37 stolen bases, 221 walks, and a .257 batting average.

Bernal currently ranks as the Cardinals 7th best prospect.

Bernal is expected to make his MLB debut on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bernal will wear no.13.

St. Louis Cardinals promote Cade Winquest

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have promoted RHP Cade Winquest from Triple-A Memphis. Winquest, 26, is currently 3-1 with a 4.54 ERA, 33 games, 1 hold, 39.2 innings, 57 strikeouts, 14 walks, and a whip of 1.16 in 2026. The games are a career high for Winquest.

Winquest had his best season in 2025, combined between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield. That season, Winquest was 5-7 with a 3.99 ERA, 25 games, 23 starts, 1 hold, 106 innings, 110 strikeouts, 39 walks, and a whip of 1.36. The wins, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Winquest.

In 2024, with High-A Peoria, Winquest had career highs in both holds (1) and saves (1).

Overall, Winquest is currently in his 4th minor league season. Winquest is 11-17 with a 4.24 ERA, 91 games, 38 starts, 3 holds, 1 save, 252.1 innings, 276 strikeouts, 106 walks, and a whip of 1.32.

To make room for Winquest on the active roster the Cardinals have placed RHP Peter Strzelecki (fight forearm extensor inflammation) on the 15-day IL. Winquest will wear no.63. Winquest can reach 100 miles per hour on his fastball.

This will be Winquest's 2nd time in the MLB. Winquest made the New York Yankees Opening Day roster but was designated for assignment on April 10, 2026, without appearing in a game.

Winquest was returned to the Cardinals on April 13, 2026. 

St. Louis Cardinals to promote Joshua Baez

 

The Cardinals will promote outfielder Joshua Baez from Triple-A Memphis, and he is expected to be in the starting lineup on Saturday at Wrigley Field. Baez, 23, is currently hitting .256 with 79 runs, 105 hits, 22 doubles, 3 triples, 34 home runs, 90 RBI's, 21 stolen bases, and 37 walks in 2026. The runs, home runs, and RBI's are all career highs for Baez.

Baez had career highs in hits (120), doubles (23), stolen bases (54), and walks (59) in 2025, combined between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield.

Baez currently ranks as the Cardinals 3rd best prospect.

Overall, Baez is currently in his 6th minor league season. Baez has played 452 games with 279 runs, 397 hits, 88 doubles, 12 triples, 78 home runs, 275 RBI's, 149 stolen bases, 203 walks, and a .251 batting average.

Baez still needs to improve on a few things, but it will be nice seeing what he can do in the MLB. It will also be great having Jon Jay working with Baez on his defense. 

St. Louis Cardinals claim Everson Pereira

The St. Louis Cardinals have claimed outfielder Everson Pereira off of waivers from the Chicago White Sox. Pereira, 25, is currently hitting .225 with 8 runs, 18 hits, 5 doubles, 4 home runs, 11 RBI's, 1 stolen base, and 5 walks in 2026. The runs, hits, doubles, home runs, and RBI's are all career highs for Pereira. 

In 2023, with the New York Yankees, Pereira had career highs in both stolen bases (4) and walks (8).

Overall, Pereira is currently in his 3rd MLB season. Pereira has played 77 games with 21 runs, 41 hits, 10 doubles, 6 home runs, 29 RBI's, 7 stolen bases, 20 walks, and a .172 batting average. 

Pereira is out of options, and the Cardinals will need to clear a spot on the active roster to make room for him. 

Pereira is a former top 100 guy from Baseball America. Pereira has shown big potential before but comes with a lot of strikeouts. 

Could claiming Pereria mean that Jordan Walker goes to the IL? Walker has missed the last 2 games due to knee inflammation. There's a good chance that Pereira could see playing time with the Cardinals. 

 

St. Louis Cardinals trade Lars Nootbaar

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded outfielder Lars Nootbaar to the Arizona Diamondbacks for starting pitcher Daniel Eagen, left-handed reliever Sandro Santana, and a player to be named later. Nootbaar, 28, is currently hitting .234 with 22 runs, 37 hits, 8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 16 RBI's, 1 stolen base, and 24 walks in 2026.

Nootbaar had his best season in 2023. That season, Nootbaar hit .261 with 74 runs, 111 hits, 23 doubles, 1 triple, 14 home runs, 46 RBI's, 11 stolen bases, and 72 walks. The batting average, runs, stolen bases, and walks were all career highs for Nootbaar. 

In 2022, Nootbaar had career highs in both triples (3) and home runs (14). 

Nootbaar had career highs in hits (119), doubles (24), and RBI's (48).

Overall, Nootbaar is currently in his 6th MLB season. Nootbaar has played 575 games with 271 runs, 444 hits, 92 doubles, 10 triples, 61 home runs, 210 RBI's, 29 stolen bases, 276 walks, and a .241 batting average.

Eagen, 23, is currently 5-8 with a 4.95 ERA, 20 games, 20 starts, 87.1 innings, 109 strikeouts, 34 walks, and a whip of 1.31 with Double-A Amarillo in 2026.

Eagen had his best season in 2025. That season, Eagen was 7-8 with a 2.99 ERA, 23 games, 23 starts, 117.1 innings, 153 strikeouts, 52 walks, and a whip of 1.12 combined between High-A Hillsboro and Double-A Amarillo. The wins, games, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Eagen. The ERA was also a career best for Eagen.

Eagen ranked as the Diamondbacks 5th best prospect. 

Overall, Eagen is currently in his 2nd minor league season. Eagen is 12-16 with a 3.83 ERA, 43 games, 43 starts, 204.2 innings, 262 strikeouts, 86 walks, and a whip of 1.20.

Santana, 21, is currently 5-2 with a 2.14 ERA, 31 games, 4 holds, 4 saves, 46.1 innings, 70 strikeouts, 20 walks, and a whip of 1.10 combined between High-A Hillsboro and Double-A Amarillo in 2026. The wins, games, holds, saves, and strikeouts are all career highs for Santana. The ERA is also a career best for Santana. 

In 2025, combined between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A Visalia, Santana had a career high (59.1) innings. 

Santana ranked as the Diamondbacks 26th best prospect. Santana can reach 95-97 miles per hour with his fastball. 

Santana is currently in his 4th minor league season. Santana is 13-9 with a 3.46 ERA, 75 games, 4 starts, 8 holds, 8 saves, 153.1 innings, 186 strikeouts, 81 walks, and a whip of 1.30.

Nootbaar is signed through 2027. The Diamondbacks get a player who should be able to help their lineup in Nootbaar. When healthy, Nootbaar is a good player. 

The Cardinals get a solid return with Eagen and Santana. Eagen and Santana should be able to help the Cardinals at some point in the future. 

St. Louis Cardinals acquire Caleb Ferguson

The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson from the Cincinnati Reds for $250,000 in international bonus space. Ferguson, 30, is currently 1-0 with a 4.01 ERA, 26 games, 1 start, 3 holds, 1 save, 24.2 innings, 22 strikeouts, 11 walks, and a whip of 1.50 in 2026. 

Ferguson had his best season in 2023, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That season, Fergson was 7-4 with a 3.43 ERA, 68 games, 7 starts, 17 holds, 3 saves, 60.1 innings, 70 strikeouts, 23 walks, and a whip of 1.15. The wins, starts, holds, saves, and strikeouts were all career highs for Ferguson. 

In 2025, combined between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners, Ferguson had career highs in both games (70) and innings (65.1). 

Overall, Ferguson is currently in his 8th MLB season. Ferugson is 25-17 with a 3.69 ERA, 359 games, 15 starts, 68 holds, 7 saves, 351.2 innings, 387 strikeouts, 140 walks, and a whip of 1.31. In Ferguson's career against him, left-handed hitters hit .225 and right-handed hitters hit .249.

Ferguson can be a free agent after the season. 
 

St. Louis Cardinals trade Dustin May, JoJo Romero

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded starting pitcher Dustin May, and left-handed reliever JoJo Romero to the Milwaukee Brewers for outfielder Josiah Ragsdale, and outfielder Alexander Frias. May, 28, is currently 5-7 with a 4.38 ERA, 21 games, 21 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 109 innings, 106 strikeouts, 35 walks, and a whip of 1.28 in 2026. The complete game and shutout are both career highs for May. May also has 10 quality starts, which tie a career high from 2025.

May had a career high (4) holds in 2019, with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In 2020, May helped the Dodgers win the World Series. 

May had his best season in 2025, combined between the Dodgers and Boston Red Sox. That season, May was 7-11 with a 4.96 ERA, 25 games, 23 starts, 132.1 innings, 123 strikeouts, 56 walks, and a whip of 1.42. The wins, games, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for May.

Overall, May is currently in his 7th MLB season. May is 24-27 with a 3.99 ERA, 92 games, 78 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 5 holds, 433 innings, 403 strikeouts, 148 walks, and a whip of 1.22.

Romero, 29, is currently 1-3 with a 3.35 ERA, 44 games, 20 holds, 43 innings, 43 strikeouts, 16 walks, and a whip of 1.30.

May had his best season in 2025. That season, May was 4-5 with a 2.07 ERA, 65 games, 24 holds, 8 saves, 61 innings, 55 strikeouts, 29 walks, and a whip of 1.25. The saves, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Romero. The ERA was also a career best for Romero. 

In 2024, Romero had career highs in wins (7), games (65), and holds (30). 

Overall, Romero is currently in his 7th MLB season. Romero is 16-14 with a 3.51 ERA, 241 games, 84 holds, 12 saves, 235.2 innings, 226 strikeouts, 87 walks, and a whip of 1.24.

Ragsdale, 22, is currently hitting .316 with 85 runs, 98 hits, 21 doubles, 2 triples, 19 home runs, 51 RBI's, 31 stolen bases, and 67 walks combined between High-A Wisconsin and Double-A Biloxi in 2026. The batting average, runs, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI's stolen bases, and walks are wall career highs for Ragsdale.

Ragsdale ranked as the Brewers 13th best prospect. 

Overall, Ragsdale is currently in his 2nd minor league season. Ragsdale has played 108 games with 100 runs, 119 hits, 22 doubles, 2 triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI's, 40 stolen bases, 83 walks, and a .313 batting average.

Frias, 18, is currently hitting .342 with 52 runs, 78 hits, 16 doubles, 4 triples, 8 home runs, 62 RBI's, 19 stolen bases, and 29 walks combined between the Arizona Complex Leagues and Single-A Wilson. The batting average, runs, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI's, stolen bases, and walks are all career highs for Frias.

Frias ranked as the Brewers 11th best prospect.

Overall, Frias is currently in his 2nd minor league season. Frias has played 87 games with 74 runs, 108 hits, 21 doubles, 4 triples, 9 home runs, 79 RBI's, 26 stolen bases, 43 walks, and a .334 batting average.

The Brewers upgrade their starting rotation and bullpen with the additions of Dustin May and JoJo Romero. May and Romero can be free agents after the season. 

On paper the Cardinals get a great return with Ragsdale and Frias. It's shocking that the Brewers would give up two top prospects for two rentals. There's a chance that Ragsdale could become a centerfield option for the Cardinals in the future. 

 

St. Louis Blues extend Connor McMichael

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed center Connor McMichael to a six-year contract extension, worth $40.5 million. McMichael, 25, played 78 games with 14 goals, 32 assists, 46 points, and a plus 8 with the Washington Capitals in 2025-2026. The assists were a career high for McMichael.

McMichael had his best season in 2024-2025. That season. McMichael played 82 games with 26 goals, 31 assists, 57 points, and a plus 19. The games, goals, points, and plus mark were all career highs for McMichael.

Overall, McMichael has played 6 NHL seasons. McMichael has played 315 games with 67 goals, 87 assists, 154 points, and a plus 4. In the playoffs, McMichael has played 18 games with 5 goals, 3 assists, and 8 points. 

The Blues acquired McMichael from the Capitals on June 23, 2026, along with Milton Gastrin and a 2026 1st-round pick for center Jordan Kyrou. 
 

St. Louis Cardinals extend JJ Wetherholt

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed second baseman JJ Wetherholt to an eight-year contract extension, worth $112.5 million. The contract includes $19.5 million in performance bonuses. From the performance bonuses, the contract could end up being worth $132 million. 

Wetherholt, 23, is currently hitting .267 with 57 runs, 91 hits, 10 doubles, 13 home runs, 36 RBI's, 9 stolen bases, and 38 walks in 2026. 

Overall, Wetherholt is currently in his 1st MLB season. 

Wetherholt has developed himself into one of the top rookies this season in the MLB. It's great to see the Chaim Bloom reward Wetherholt with a long-term contract extension. Could the Cardinals extend first baseman Alec Burleson or right fielder Jordan Walker next?

St. Louis Blues sign Dillon Dube

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The St. Louis Blues have signed center Dillon Dube to a one-year, one-way contract, worth $850,000. Dube, 27, signed a professional tryout contract with the (AHL) Springfield Thunderbirds on December 10, 2025. 

Dube ended up playing 46 games with 20 goals, 17 assists, 37 points, and a -1 with the Thunderbirds.  In the playoffs, Dube played 12 games with 5 goals, 3 assists, 8 points, and a -3.

Dube last played in NHL in 2023-2024, with the Calgary Flames. That season, Dube played 43 games with 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points, and a -13. 

Dube had his best season in 2022-2023. That season, Dube played 82 games with 18 goals, 27 assists, 45 points, and a -6. The games, assists, and points were all career highs for Dube. The goals tied a career high from 2021-2022 for Dube.

Overall, Dube has played 325 games with 57 goals, 70 assists, 127 points, and a -17. In the playoffs, Dube has played 22 games with 4 goals, 2 assists, 5 points, and a -1. 

 Dube could end up being a good signing for the Blues. Dube became a fan favorite with the Thunderbirds.

St. Louis Blues sign Ross Johnston

 

 

The St. Louis Blues have signed left wing Ross Johnston to a three-year contract, worth $6 million. Johnston, played 62 games with 3 goals, 11 assists, and 14 points with the Anaheim Ducks in 2025-2026. The assists and points were both career highs for Johnston. The goals tied a career high from 2017-2018 for Johnston. 

 

Johnston played a career high (68) games in 2023-2024. 

 

Overall, Johnston has played 10 NHL seasons. Johnson has played 307 games with 14 goals, 32 assists, 46 points, and a -17. In the playoffs, Johnston has played 10 games with a -1. 

 

Johnston reunited with former Ducks teammates defenseman Cam Fowler and center Mason McTavish. Johnston is also reunited with former Ducks head coach Greg Cronin (Blues assistant coach). 

 

The Blues add some toughness and grit to their roster with the addition of Johnston. The Blues have needed some toughness and grit. 

St. Louis Blues re-sign Jonatan Berggren

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed right wing Jonatan Berggren to a one-year contract extension, worth $2 million. Berggren, 25, played 51 games with 8 goals, 14 assists, 22 points, and a -5 combined between the Detroit Red Wings and Blues in 2025-2026. The assists were a career high for Berggren. 

The Blues claimed Berggren off waivers from the Red Wings on December 17, 2025 after struggling to start the season. Berggren then re-found life with the Blues. Berggren played 36 games with 6 goals, 10 assists, 16 points, and a -2. 

Berggren had his best season in 2022-2023. That season, Berggren played 67 games with 15 goals, 13 assists, 28 points, and a -14. The goals and points were both career highs for Berggren.

 Overall, Berggren has played 4 NHL seasons. Berggren has played 205 games with 37 goals, 43 assists, 80 points, and a -33. 

It's good to see the Blues keep Berggren around for another season. Berggren turned out to be a great surprise off waivers. It should be interesting to see if Berggren can keep the success he found with the Blues heading into the 2026-2027 season.  

St. Louis Blues acquire Brandon Carlo

 

The St. Louis Blues have traded picks traded picks no.73 and no.76 in the 2026 NHL Draft to the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Brandon Carlo. Carlo, 29, played 55 games with 7 assists, 7 points, and a plus 4 in 2025-2026.

Carlo had his best season in 2019-2020, with the Boston Bruins. That season, Carlo played 67 games with 4 goals, 15 assists, 19 points, and a plus 16. The assists and points were both career highs for Carlo. 

In 2016-2017, Carlo had a career high (6) goals. 

Carlo played a career high (83) games in 2024-2025, combined between the Bruins and Maple Leafs.

Overall, Carlo has played 10 NHL seasons. Carlo has played 692 games with 29 goals, 90 assists, 119 points, and a plus 137. In the playoffs, Carlo has played 85 games with 5 goals, 9 assists, 14 points, and a plus 7. 

Carlo is entering the final year of a six-year contract that he signed with the Bruins on July 14, 2021. 

Carlo should help the Blues on defense and be a stop gap until Adam Jiricek is NHL ready. The Blues now have Logan Mailloux, Colton Parayko, and Carlo on the right side. 

The Blues defense pairings look to be 

Philip Broberg - Mailloux

Cam Fowler - Parayko

Tyler Tucker - Carlo

Extra - Matthew Kessel

Carlo is also reunited with former Bruins head coach and current Blues head coach Jim Montgomery. Montgomery coached Carlo for 3 seasons with the Bruins (2022-2025). Carlo was an alternate captain with the Bruins. 

St. Louis Blues acquire Mason McTavish

The St. Louis Blues have traded their 15th overall pick and 29th overall pick in tonight's NHL draft to the Anaheim Ducks for center Mason McTavish. McTavish, 23, played 75 games with 17 goals, 24 assists, 41 points, and a -15 in 2025-2026.

McTavish had his best season in 2024-2025. That season, McTavish played 76 games with 22 goals, 30 assists, and 52 points. The goals, assists, and points were all career highs for McTavish.

In 2022-2023, McTavish played a career high (80) games.

Overall, McTavish has played 5 NHL seasons. McTavish has played 304 games with 77 goals, 104 assists, 181 points, and a -54. In the playoffs, McTavish has played 10 games with 1 goal, 5 assists, 6 points, and a plus 1. 

McTavish is reunited with former Ducks teammate defenseman Cam Fowler and former Ducks head coach Greg Cronin (now a Blues assistant coach).

McTavish has the potential to be a good addition for the Blues roster. McTavish had success under Cronin when he was the Ducks head coach. 
 

St. Louis Blues trade Jordan Kyrou

 

The St. Louis Blues have traded center Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals for center Connor McMichael, center Milton Gastrin, and the Capitals 1st-round 2026 pick (16th overall) in the NHL Draft. Kyrou, 28, played 72 games with 18 goals, 28 assists, 46 points, and a -5 in 2025-2026. 

Kyrou had his best season in 2021-2022. That season, Kyrou was an All-Star and played 74 games with 27 goals, 48 assists, 75 points, and a plus 10. The assists and points were both career highs for Kyrou. 

In 2022-2023, Kyrou had a career high (37) goals. 

Kyrou played a career high (82) games in 2023-024. 

Overall, Kyrou has played 8 NHL seasons. Kyrou has played 488 games with 168 goals, 210 assists, 378 points, and a -21. In the playoffs, Kyrou has played 28 games with 11 goals, 2 assists, 13 points, and a -12. 

McMichael, 25, played 78 games with 14 goals, 32 assists, 46 points, and a plus 8 in 2025-2026. The assists were a career high for McMichael. 

McMichael had his best season in 2024-2025. That season, McMichael played 82 games with 26 goals, 31 assists, 57 points, and a plus 19. The games, goals, points, and plus mark were all career highs for McMichael. 

Overall, McMichael has played 6 NHL seasons. McMichael has played 315 games with 67 goals, 87 assists, 154 points, and a plus 4. In the playoffs, McMichael has played 18 games with 5 goals, 3 assists, and 8 points. 

Gastrin, 19, was drafted by the Capitals in the 2nd round (37th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. Gastrin played 39 games with 10 goals, 14 assists 24 points, and a plus 2 with MoDo Hockey Ornskoldsvik (Swedish Hockey League) in 2025-2026.

The Blues got a good return for Kyrou. McMichael played on the Capitals 2nd line last season and is a good middle six center. Gastrin can make plays around the net. 

It should be interesting to see if the Blues make any other trades before or during the NHL Draft on Friday. The Blues now have four 1st-round picks on Friday night (no.11, no.15, no.16, and no.29).

St. Louis Cardinals trade Chris Roycroft

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded RHP Chris Roycroft to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations or a player to be named later. Roycroft, 29, is currently 0-0 with a 15.19 ERA, 7 games, 5.1 innings, 4 strikeouts, 8 walks, and a whip of in 2026.

Roycroft had his best season in 2024. That season, Roycroft was 1-2 with a 4.19 ERA, 27 games, 1 hold, 34.1 innings, 33 strikeouts, 17 walks, and a whip of 1.84. The wins, games, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Roycroft. 

In 2025, Roycroft had a career high (2) holds. 

Overall, Roycroft is currently in his 3rd MLB season. Roycroft is 2-5 with a 6.41 ERA, 54 games, 3 holds, 60.1 innings, 52 strikeouts. 37 walks, and a whip of 1.77.

The Rays hope that a change of scenery can help Roycroft. Roycroft showed some flashes in 2024 that he could be good. 
 

St. Louis Blues hire Vaclav Prospal, Greg Cronin as assistant coaches

 

The St. Louis Blues have hired Vaclav "Vinny" Prospal and Greg Cronin as assistant coaches for Jim Montgomery's coaching staff. Prospal and Cronin both signed multi-year contracts. Prospal, 51, spent the last 3 seasons as an assistant coach with the AHL's Rochester Americans. In each season the Americans reached the playoffs. Prospal was in charge of the forwards and power play for the Americans and will now do the same for the Blues. Last season, the Americans power play unit ranked 4th in the AHL and 1st in the East. 

As a player, Prospal played 16 seasons in the NHL (1996-2004, 2005-2013). Prospal played 1,108 games with 255 goals, 510 assists, 765 points, and a -57. In the playoffs, Prospal played 65 games with 10 goals, 25 assists, 35 points, and a -7. Prospal spent the most of his career (6 seasons) with the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Cronin, 63, most recently spent 1 season as head coach with the Iowa Wild (2025-2026). Under Cronin, the Wild were 72-36-9. Before becoming the Wild head coach, Cronin was head coach for the Anaheim Ducks for 2 seasons (2023-2025). 

Overall, Cronin coached 164 games and was 62-87-15 with 139 points and a points percentage of .424. Cronin had his best season in 2024-2025. That season, the Ducks were 35-37-10 with 80 points and a points percentage of .488. The wins, points, and points percentage were all career highs for Cronin in his career as an NHL head coach. 

Cronin was fired by the Ducks on April 19, 2025, and replaced by Joel Quenneville. 

Cronin will be in charge of the Blues defensemen and penalty-kill unit. Cronin is reunited with Blues defenseman Cam Fowler. Both Cronin and Fowler know each other from the Ducks. 

On paper, both Prospal and Cronin seem to be great hires for Montgomery's coaching staff. 

St. Louis Blues re-sign Dylan Holloway

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed left wing Dylan Holloway to a five-year contract extension, worth $38.75 million. Holloway, 24, played 59 games with 22 goals, 29 assists, 51 points, and a plus 13 in 2025-2026. 

Holloway had his best season in 2024-2025. That season, Holloway played 77 games with 26 goals, 37 assists, 63 points, and a plus 21. The games, goals, assists, points, and plus mark were all career highs for Holloway. 

Overall, Holloway has played 4 NHL seasons. Holloway has played 225 games with 57 goals, 75 assists, 132 points, and a plus 33. In the playoffs, Holloway has played 26 games with 5 goals, 2 assists, 7 points, and a plus 5. 

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong did a great job getting Holloway signed to a long-term contract. Getting Holloway signed to a long-term contract was one of the Blues biggest needs this offseason. 

St. Louis Cardinals acquire Luis Peralta

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have claimed LHP Luis Peralta off of waivers from the Colorado Rockies. Peralta, 25, is currently 0-2 with a 17.18 ERA, 6 games, 7.1 innings, 1 hold, 14 strikeouts, 13 walks, and a whip of 3.14 with Triple-A Albuquerque in 2026. 

In 2025, Peralta was 1-3 with a 9.47 ERA, 22 games, 1 hold, 19 innings, 16 strikeouts, 18 walks, and a whip of 2.32. The wins, games, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Peralta. 

Peralta had a career high (2) holds in 2024.

Overall, in the MLB, Peralta has played 2 MLB seasons. Peralta is 1-3 with a 6.03 ERA, 37 games, 3 holds, 31.1 innings, 30 strikeouts. 23 walks, and a whip of 1.79. 

In the minors, Peralta is currently in his 8th seasons. Peralta is 13-25 with a 4.95 ERA, 156 games, 45 starts, 12 holds, 8 saves, 320 innings, 436 strikeouts, 201 walks, and a whip of 1.52.

The Cardinals have assigned Peralta to Triple-A Memphis. The Cardinals 40-man roster now stands at 40.

In Peralta the Cardinals pick up a left-handed option for the bullpen. The Cardinals left-handed options took a hit when Packy Naughton got injured a few weeks back. 

Peralta is an interesting pick up if he can improve on a few things. His velocity is down a tiny bit (93.5 mile per hour). Back in 2024, Peralta's fastball was 95 miles per hour.

Peralta is the younger brother of New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta. 

St. Louis Cardinals trade Nick Raquet

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded LHP Nick Raquet to the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder/second baseman Brayden Smith. Raquet, 30, was 0-0 with 2 games, 2 innings, 1 strikeout, 1 walk, and a whip of 0.50 in 2025. Raquet made his MLB debut on September 8, 2025, at T-Mobile Park against the Seattle Mariners. 

In Triple-A Memphis, Raquet is currently 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA, 2 games, 3 innings, 1 hold, 3 strikeouts, 0 walks, and whip of 1.00 in 2026. 

Overall, Raquet is currently in his 6th minor league season. Raquet is 36-33 with a 3.69 ERA, 137 games, 67 starts, 4 complete games, 1 shutout, 11 holds, 8 saves, 446 innings, 374 strikeouts, 139 walks, and a whip of 1.36.

Smith, 22, currently has 1 run with 1 stolen base, and 1 walk with High-A Frederick in 2026.

In 2025, Smith hit .200 with 7 runs, 11 hits, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, 9 RBI's, 3 stolen bases, and 12 walks with Single-A Delmarva.

Overall, Smith is currently in his 2nd minor league season. Smith has played 17 games with 8 runs, 11 hits, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, 9 RBI's, 4 stolen bases, 13 walks, and a .190 batting average.

Smith was drafted by the Orioles out of Oklahoma State in the 13th round of the 2025 MLB Draft.

The Cardinals had designated Raquet for assignment on April 5, 2026.  

St. Louis Blues trade Brayden Schenn

The St. Louis Blues have traded center Brayden Schenn to the New York Islanders for left wing Jonathan Drouin, goalie prospect Marcus Gidlof, a 2026 1st-round pick, and a 2026 3rd-round pick. Schenn, 34, currently has played 61 games with 12 goals, 16 assists, 28 points, and a -23 in 2025-2026. 

Schenn has been an All-Star 1 time: (2017-2018). 

In 2018-2019, Schenn helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup.

Schenn had his best season in 2022-2023. That season, Schenn played 82 games with 21 goals, 44 assists, 65 points, and a -27. The assists and points were both career highs for Schenn.

In 2017-2018, Schenn had a career high (28) goals. 

Overall, Schenn is currently in his 17th NHL season. Schenn has played 1,083 games with 290 goals, 423 assists, 713 points, and a -66. In the playoffs, Schenn has played 82 games with 13 goals, 30 assists, 43 points, and a -19.

 

Drouin, 30, currently has played 55 games with 3 goals, 18 assists, 21 points, and a -3 in 2025-2026. 

Drouin had his best season in 2023-2024, with the Colorado Avalanche. That season, Drouin played 79 games with 19 goals, 37 assists, 56 points, and a plus 12. The assists, points, and plus mark were all career highs for Drouin. 

In 2016-2017, with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Drouin had a career high (21) goals. 

Overall, Drouin is currently in his 12th NHL season. Drouin has played 662 games with 110 goals, 285 assists, 395 points, and a -73. In the playoffs, Drouin has played 43 games with 6 goals, 21 assists, 27 points, and a -11. 

Gidolf, 20, currently has played 24 games and is 9-15 with 4 shutouts, a .896 save percentage, and a 2.84 goals-against average with Leksands IF in 2025-2026. 

The Blues get a good return for Schenn. They got more draft picks and Drouin. Drouin makes $4 million next season. There's a chance that Drouin could be a trade chip at some point next season. 

St. Louis Blues trade Justin Faulk

The St. Louis Blues have traded defenseman Justin Faulk to the Detroit Red Wings for defenseman Justin Holl, left wing Dmitri Buchelnikov, a 2026 1st-round pick, and a 2026 3rd-round pick. Faulk, 33, currently has played 61 games with 11 goals, 21 assists, 32 points, and a -3 in 2025-2026. 

Faulk has been an All-Star 3 times: (2014-2015, 2015-2016, and a 2016-2017). 

Faulk had his best season in 2022-2023. That season, Faulk played 82 games with 11 goals, 39 assists, 50 points, and a -4. The assists and points were both career highs for Faulk. 

In 2016-2017, Faulk had a career high (17) goals. 

Overall, Faulk is currently in his 15th NHL season. Faulk has played 1,041 games with 141 goals, 349 assists, 490 points, and a -69. In the playoffs, Faulk has played 45 games with 4 goals, 16 assists, 20 points, and a plus 4. 
 

Holl, 34, currently has played 41 games with 2 goals, 12 assists, 14 points, and a plus 19 with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) in 2025-2026. 

Holl had his best season in 2021-2022, with the Toronto Maple Leafs. That season, Holl played 69 games with 3 goals, 20 assists, 23 points, and a plus 14. The goals, assists, and points were all career highs for Holl. 

Overall, Holl has played 8 NHL seasons. Holl has played 396 games with 13 goals, 82 assists, 95 points, and a plus 59. In the playoffs, Holl has played 25 games with 3 assists, 3 points, and a -3. 

Buchelnikov, 22, currently has played 38 games with 13 goals, 10 assists, and 23 points with CSKA Moscow (KHL) in 2025-2026. 

Buchelnikov had his best season in 2024-2025, with Balashikha Vityaz. That season, Buchelnikov played 65 games with 15 goals, 39 assists, 54 points, and a -6. The games, goals, assists, and points were all career highs for Buchelnikov in his KHL career. 

The Red Wings drafted Buchelnikov in the 2nd-round (52nd overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft.

The Blues got a pretty good return for Faulk with two good draft picks. Holl can either stay in the AHL or be used as depth. Holl can be an unrestricted free agent after the season. Buchelnikov could good building piece for the Blues future. 

St. Louis Cardinals Extend Oliver Marmol

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed manager Oliver Marmol to a two-year contract extension. The contract includes a team option for 2029. Marmol, 39. led the Cardinals to a record of 78-84 with a .481 winning percentage in 2025. 

Marmol had his best season in 2022. That season, Marmol was 93-69 with a .574 winning percentage. The wins and winning percentage were both career highs for Marmol in his managerial career. 

Overall, Marmol has managed 4 seasons. Marmol has managed 648 games and is 325-323 with a winning percentage of .502. In the playoffs, Marmol is 0-2. 

Fans might not be excited about this move.  If fans set back and think for a bit, the move makes sense. The Cardinals are in a rebuild right? If I recall correctly, they are. What big name manager would want to manage in a rebuild? Probably no big-name manager. The move also gives Chaim Bloom more time to evaluate Marmol with a young roster. Marmol does well with young players, too. Players also like Marmol. You try to get the team ready to win first. Then, if Marmol proves he can't be successful with a team that can win, you look for an upgrade at manager. If Marmol were to be fired now, you'd just get someone similar to him with no MLB managing experience. Then fans would complain about that manager when he has the same issues due to not being able to win. 

Do fans realize that the last two seasons the Cardinals have performed better than their records should have been based on run differential? In 2024, the Cardinals were 83-79. The Cardinals should have been 76-86. The Cardinals were 78-84 in 2025. The Cardinals should have been 74-88. So, the last two seasons the Cardinals have 11 more wins than expected. Who should get credit for that happening? Can you say the front office has helped Marmol? 

If Marmol was so bad as a manager as fans think, then why does he have a better winning percentage than Tony La Russa did in his first 4 seasons as a Cardinals manager? Can someone explain that to me? La Russa even had more talent to work with than Marmol has had. 

In the National League, Marmol is the 3rd longest-tenured manager behind Dave Roberts (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Torey Lovullo (Arizona Diamondbacks).

St. Louis Cardinals 2026 Season Preview

 

Offseason additions: Starting pitcher Dustin May, starting pitcher Richard Fitts, starting pitcher Hunter Dobbins, starting pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje, starting pitcher Brandon Clarke,  starting pitcher, Yhoiker Fajardo, starting pitcher Blake Aita, starting pitcher Jack Martinez, RHP Ryne Stanek, RHP George Soriano, RHP Matt Pushard, RHP Robbie Knowles, RHP Dominic Freeberger, LHP Justin Bruihl, LHP Jared Shuster, LHP Bruce Zimmermann, RHP Scott Blewett, RHP Justin Militello, infielder Ramon Urias, first baseman/outfielder Bligh Madris, outfielder Nelson Velazquez, outfielder Tai Peete, and outfielder Colton Ledbetter.

Offseason substitutions: Starting pitcher Sonny Gray (traded to Boston Red Sox), starting pitcher Miles Mikolas (signed with Washington Nationals), RHP Jorge Alcala (minor league contract with Toronto Blue Jays), RHP Roddery Munoz (claimed off waivers by Cincinnati Reds, now with Houston Astros), LHP John King (signed with Miami Marllins), LHP Anthony Veneziano (signed with the SSG Landers in Korea), first baseman Wilson Contreras (traded to Boston Red Sox), third baseman Nolan Arenado (traded to Arizona Diamondbacks), second baseman Brendan Donovan (traded to Seattle Mariners), and outfielder Michael Siani (claimed off waivers by Atlanta Braves, now with Los Angeles Dodgers).

Point team prediction: 75-80 wins (4th place in NL Central). 

The Cardinals spent the off season heading into 2026 restocking their farm system. The Cardinals have needed to get better talent in their farm system for the last couple of seasons. On paper, the moves seem to have paid off for the new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. Baseball America ranks the Cardinals farm system the second best in baseball behind the Pittsburgh Pirates. For comparison with other sites, FanGraphs ranks the Cardinals' farm system no.1 and ESPN 9th. 

The Cardinals also hired three new player development coaches Casey Demko (infield coordinator), Hugh Quattlebaum (hitting coordinator), and Dalton Hurd (director of hitting). Demko, 29, joins the Cardinals organization after being an assistant coach for Abilene Christian University. 

Quattlebaum, 42, most recently was an assistant hitting coach with the Atlanta Braves for 1 season (2025). Before joining the Braves coaching staff, Quattlebaum was the New York Mets hitting coach for 1 season (2021). 

Hurd, 30, most recently was the Baltimore Orioles' minor hitting coordinator for 1 season (2025). Before joining the Orioles organization, Hurd was a hitting coach for the San Francisco Giants at their Arizona Complex League. 

Hurd was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 25th round in the 2018 MLB Draft. 

Overall, Hurd played 2 minor league seasons. Hurd played 33 games with 12 runs, 15 hits, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 16 RBI's, 1 stolen base, 12 walks, and a .156 batting average. 

Starting rotation (5): 

Matthew Liberatore, Dustin May, Richard Fitts, Michael McGreevy, and Kyle Leahy

Bullpen (8):

Matt Svanson, Riley O'Brien, Ryne Stanek, George Soriano, Matt Pushard, Andre Pallante, JoJo Romero, and Justin Bruihl.

Lineup:

2B JJ Wetherholt, DH Ivan Herrera, 1B Alec Burleson, 3B Nolan Gorman, LF Nelson Velazquez (Lars Nootbaar is expected to start the season in the IL), SS Masyn Winn, RF Jordan Walker, C Pedro Pages, and CF Victor Scott II

Bench (4):

C Jimmy Crooks, OF Nathan Church, infielder Ramon Urias, and infielder Thomas Saggese.

Fantasy stud:

Ivan Herrera and Alec Burleson

Prospects to watch: 

JJ Wetherholt, Quinn Mathews, and Leonardo Bernal

St. Louis Cardinals sign Ramon Urias

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed infielder Ramon Urias to a one-year contract, worth $2 million. Urias can earn up to $2 million in incentives from plate appearances. The contract includes $500,000 buyout on a mutual option for 2027. Urias, 31, hit .241 with 33 runs, 85 hits, 17 doubles, 11 home runs, 44 RBI's, 3 stolen bases, and 27 walks combined between the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros in 2025. 

Urias had his best season in 2022, with the Orioles. That season, Urias hit .248 with 50 runs, 100 hits, 17 doubles, 1 triple, 16 home runs, 51 RBI's, 1 stolen base, and 30 walks. The runs, hits, home runs, RBI's, and walks were all career highs for Urias. Urias also won a Gold Glove Award. 

In 2023, Urias had career highs in doubles (22), triples (3), and stolen bases (3). 

Overall, Urias has played 6 MLB seasons. Urias has played 541 games with 203 runs, 431 hits, 81 doubles, 6 triples, 50 home runs, 215 RBI's, 9 stolen bases, 137 walks, and a .257 batting average. 

This will be Urias's 2nd tenure with the Cardinals. Urias previously was in the Cardinals' minors for 2 seasons (2018-2019). 

To make room for Urias on the 40-man roster, the Cardinals have designated RHP Zak Kent for assignment. Kent, 27, was recently reacquired by the Cardinals from the Texas Rangers on February 16, 2026. 

Urias will wear no.33. 

I think the Cardinals view Urias as a veteran presence off the bench who can fill in at times. Urias also plays good defense. 

St. Louis Cardinals acquire George Soriano

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded RHP Andre Granillo to the Washington Nationals for RHP George Soriano. Granillo, 25, was 1-0 with a 4.71 ERA, 14 games, 1 save, 21 innings, 18 strikeouts, 7 walks, and a whip of 1.18 in in 2025. Granillo made his MLB debut on June 12, 2025, at American Family Field against the Milwaukee Brewers. 

In Triple-A Memphis, Granillo was 5-0 with a 1.29 ERA, 29 games, 4 holds, 2 saves, 42 innings, 58 strikeouts, 14 walks, and a whip of 0.83 in 2025.

Granillo had his best season in 2024, combined between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. That season, Granillo has 8-2 with a 3.88 ERA, 48 games, 5 holds, 5 saves, 65 innings, 80 strikeouts, 41 walks, and a whip of 1.26. The wins and holds were both career highs for Granillo. 

In 2023, combined between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis, Granillo had career highs in games (53), saves (14), innings (68.1), and strikeouts (89). 

Overall, Granillo has played 5 minor league seasons. Granillo is 22-15 with a 3.55 ERA, 183 games, 13 holds, 31 saves, 245.2 innings, 332 strikeouts, 132 walks, and a whip of 1.22.

Soriano, 26, was 2-0 with a 8.35 ERA, 24 games, 1 save, 36,2 innings, 36 strikeouts, 19 walks, and a whip of 1.77 with the Miami Marlins in 2025. The wins were a career high for Soriano. 

In Triple-A Jacksonville, Soriano was 4-1 with a 2.32 ERA, 29 games, 1 start, 4 holds, 2 saves, 42.2 innings, 49 strikeouts, 15 walks, and a whip of 0.98.

Soriano had his best MLB season in 2023. That season, Soriano was 0-0 with a 3.81 ERA, 26 games, 1 start, 1 save, 52 innings, 52 strikeouts, 23 walks, and a whip of 1.33. The games, start, save, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Soriano. 

In 2024, Soriano had a career high (2) holds. 

Overall, Soriano has played 3 MLB seasons. Soriano is 3-1 with a 5.95 ERA, 72 games, 1 start, 2 holds, 3 saves, 118 innings, 117 strikeouts, 55 walks, and a whip of 1.47.

Overall, in the minors, Soriano has played 8 seasons. Soriano is 23-25 with a 3.40 ERA, 179 games, 62 starts, 2 complete games, 1 shutout, 17 holds, 16 saves, 490 innings, 510 strikeouts, 210 walks, and a whip of 1.27.

Soriano is a cousin of former MLB outfielder/second baseman Alfonso Soriano.

On paper, Soriano and Granillo are pretty similar if you compare their minor league numbers. Soriano seems to have the higher upside than Granillo does, but he needs to improve his command. 

St. Louis Cardinals sign Justin Militello

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed RHP Justin Militello to a two-year minor league contract. Militello, 22, was 2-5 with a 5.86 ERA, 15 games, 7 starts, 43 innings, 44 strikeouts, 28 walks, and a whip of 1.26 combined between the FCL Braves and Low-A Augusta in 2025. The wins tied a career from 2024 for Militello. The games, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career high for Militello. 

After being released, Militello signed with the Lake County DuckHounds of the American Association. Militello was 0-0 with a 19.29 ERA, 3 games, 2.1 innings, 5 walks, and 1 strikeout. 

Overall, Militello has played 2 minor league seasons. Militello is 4-10 with a 7.71 ERA, 27 games, 12 starts, 74.2 innings, 68 strikeouts, 55 walks, and a whip of 1.06. 

The Atlanta Braves signed Militello in 2022 as an undrafted free agent out of high school. 

The Cardinals have assigned Militello to High-A Peoria. 

Militello throws hard but needs to improve his control. Militello can reach 95 miles per hour with the fastball. 

Militello seems to be a low-risk high reward type of signing. 

 

St. Louis Blues claim Jack Finley

 

The St. Louis Blues have claimed center Jack Finley off of waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Finley, 23, currently has played 22 games with 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 points, and a plus 2 in 2025-2026. The games, goals, assist, and plus mark are all career highs for Finley. 

In the AHL, with the Syracuse Crunch, Finley has played 3 games with 1 goal, 2 assists, and 3 points in 2025-2026.

Finley had career highs in both assists (13) and points (32) in 2023-2024. 

In 2024-2025, Finley had a career high (14) goals. 

Overall, in the AHL, Finley has played 5 seasons. Finley has played 164 games with 40 goals, 44 assists, 84 points, and a plus 13.

Overall, Finley is currently in his 2nd NHL season. Finley has played 23 games with 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 points, and a plus 3.

Finley was drafted by the Lightning in the 2nd-round (57th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft. Finley is the son of former Blues defenseman Jeff Finley. Finley's dad played 6 seasons with the Blues (1999-2004). Jack was also born in St. Louis. 

Finley could have upside in him he gets ice time. Finley had trouble getting ice time with the Lightning.

St. Louis Cardinals claim Bryan Ramos

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have claimed third baseman Bryan Ramos off of waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. Ramos, 23, hit .167 with 1 run, 2 hits, 2 doubles, 2 RBI's, and 4 walks with the Chicago White Sox in 2025. 

In Triple-A Charlotte, Ramos hit .216 with 60 runs, 80 hits, 17 doubles, 1 triple, 16 home runs, 51 RBI's, 13 stolen bases, and 42 walks in 2025. The stolen bases tied a career high from 2021. 

Ramos had his best season in 2022, combined between High-A Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham. That season, Ramos hit .266 with 72 runs, 123 hits, 19 doubles, 1 triple, 22 home runs, 86 RBI's, 1 stolen base, and 45 walks. The batting average, runs, hits, home runs, and RBI's were all career highs for Ramos. 

In 2021, with Single-A Kannapolis, Ramos had career highs in doubles (23), triples (6), and walks (51).

Ramos had his best MLB season in 2024. That season, Ramos hit .202 with 13 runs, 20 hits, 4 doubles, 3 home runs, 11 RBI's, and 7 walks. 

Overall, in the MLB, Ramos has played 2 seasons. Ramos has played 36 games with 14 runs, 22 hits, 6 doubles, 3 home runs, 13 RBI's, 7 walks, and a .198 batting average.

Overall, in the minors, Ramos has played 6 seasons. Ramos has played 560 games with 324 runs, 521 hits, 97 doubles, 11 triples, 80 home runs, 314 RBI's, 42 stolen bases, 226 walks, and a .249 batting average. 

Could there be higher potential in Ramos? Ramos ranked as the White Sox 3rd-best prospect in 2024. 

Ramos hits right-handed, which could help him if he does well in spring training. Ramos is out of minor league options. 

St. Louis Cardinals trade Brendan Donovan

The St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, and Tampa Bay Rays have completed a three-team trade. The Cardinals are sending second baseman/leftfielder Brendan Donovan to the Mariners. The Mariners are sending starting pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje, outfielder Tai Peete, and a competitive balance round B draft pick (no.68 overall) to the Cardinals. The Rays are sending outfielder Colton Ledbetter, and a competitive balance round B draft pick (no.72 overall) to the Cardinals. The Mariners are sending third baseman Ben Williamson to the Rays. 

Donovan, 29, hit .287 with 64 runs, 132 hits, 32 doubles, 10 home runs, 50 RBI's, 3 stolen bases, and 42 walks in 2025. Donovan also was an All-Star for the 1st time in his career in 2025. 

Donovan won a Gold Glove Award in 2022. 

Donovan had his best season in 2024. That season, Donovan hit .278 with 65 runs, 163 hits, 34 doubles, 3 triples, 14 home runs, 73 RBI's, 5 stolen bases, and 47 walks. The runs hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI's, and walks were all career highs for Donovan. The stolen bases tied a career high from 2024 for Donovan. 

Overall, Donovan has played 4 MLB seasons. Donovan has played 492 games with 241 runs, 498 hits, 97 doubles, 5 triples, 40 home runs, 202 RBI's, 15 stolen bases, 182 walks, and a .282 batting average. 

Cijntje, 22, was 5-7 with a 3.99 ERA, 26 games, 23 starts, 108.1 innings, 120 strikeouts, 51 walks, and a whip of 1.22 combined between High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas in 2025. 

Cijntje is a switch-pitcher (can throw both left-handed and right-handed). 

Cijntje ranked as the Mariners' 7th-best prospect. 

Overall, Cijntje has played 1 minor league season.

Peete, 20, hit .217 with 58 runs, 103 hits, 24 doubles, 19 home runs, 63 RBI's, 25 stolen bases, and 46 walks with High-A Everett in 2025. The home runs were career highs for Peete. 

Peete had his best season in 2024, with Single-A Modesto. That season, Peete hit .269 with 72 runs, 126 hits, 26 doubles, 9 triples, 7 home runs, 71 RBI's, 45 stolen bases, and 55 walks. The runs, hits, doubles, triples, RBI's, stolen bases, and walks were all career highs for Peete.

Peete ranked as the Mariners' 11th-best prospect. 

Overall, Peete has played 3 minor league seasons. Peete has played 265 games with 141 runs, 257 hits, 54 doubles, 14 triples, 28 home runs, 154 RBI's, 76 stolen bases, 111 walks, and a .247 batting average.

Ledbetter, 24, hit .265 with 67 runs, 123 hits, 24 doubles, 4 triples, 7 home runs, 49 RBI's, 37 stolen bases, and 51 walks with Double-A Montgomery in 2025. The runs, hits, doubles, stolen bases, and walks were all career highs for Ledbetter. 

In 2024, with High-A Bowling Green, Ledbetter had career highs in triples (6), home runs (16), and RBI's (65).

Ledbetter ranked as the Rays' 24th-best prospect. 

Overall, Ledbetter has played 3 minor league seasons. Ledbetter has played 253 games with 142 runs, 251 hits, 53 doubles, 10 triples, 25 home runs, 126 RBI's, 74 stolen bases, 99 walks, and a .269 batting average. 

 

Williamson, 25, hit .253 with 36 runs, 70 hits, 13 doubles, 1 home run, 21 RBI's, 5 stolen bases, and 15 walks in 2025. Willamson made his MLB debut on April 15, 2025, at Great American Ball Park against the Cincinnati Reds.

Overall, Williamson has played 1 MLB season.

The Cardinals get a pretty good haul of prospects in return for Donovan. Cijntje could end up either as a starting pitcher or reliever. The Cardinals also now have 6 draft picks in this year's MLB draft in the top 100. 

It's good to see Donovan join a team that is ready to win. Donovan should be a good addition for the Mariners lineup.