The Cardinals feature one of MLB’s top farm systems, reaching No. 4 in MLB Pipeline’s latest rankings. They bolstered that depth at the Trade Deadline, including with the addition of right-handed pitcher Daniel Eagen, part of the Lars Nootbaar trade with the Diamondbacks.
Eagen has been quite strong since joining the organization, posting a quality start in his first three appearances with Double-A Springfield. His fourth start may have been his best yet.
St. Louis’ No. 22 prospect struck out a season-high 11 in 5 2/3 innings. One out shy of another quality start, Eagen allowed just two runs on four hits and walked one. That brought his season ERA down to 4.61, though he’s carried a 3.38 ERA since the trade. Meanwhile, Springfield defeated San Antonio on Thursday, 7-2, at Route 66 Stadium.
Eagen allowed a double and single with two outs in the first inning to open the game’s scoring. After a 1-2-3 second, a leadoff walk in the third inning later scored on a two-out single. Eagen finished his day by retiring the next eight batters he faced before giving way to the bullpen. He threw 61 strikes on 87 total pitches.
Recording the game’s first eight outs on K’s, Eagen appeared to be particularly in control with his breaking stuff. His curveball (60) and slider (55) receive his two highest scouting grades, paired with a fastball that runs to the mid-90s.
COMPLETE CARDINALS PROSPECT COVERAGE
The 23-year-old, after striking out 10 in his previous start, boasts 140 punchouts in 111 1/3 innings this season, tied for fourth-most in the Minors. That’s just more of what made Eagen a 2024 third-round Draft pick for the Diamondbacks, as he set a school record at Presbyterian with 122 strikeouts in 77 2/3 innings in 2024.
He followed that up with 2025 Northwest League Pitcher of the Year honors, recording a 2.49 ERA with 132 K’s in High-A. Now, Eagen is finding his groove with a new organization.