In a big year for the Cardinals’ Minor League system, featuring names like Rainiel Rodriguez, Joshua Báez and Leo Bernal, don’t overlook Jesús Báez.
The No. 15 St. Louis prospect launched his 39th home run of 2026 on Sunday in Double-A Springfield’s regular-season finale. Though the Cardinals fell to Arkansas 10-7 at Route 66 Stadium, they begin the 2026 postseason on Tuesday against Tulsa. Springfield will seek its second straight Texas League championship behind a roster that features several top organizational prospects.
On Sunday, Báez pulled a breaking ball to left field for a four-bagger, which gave Springfield a 3-0 lead in the third inning. Homer No. 39 -- split by 14 with High-A Peoria and 25 with Springfield -- matched Moisés Gómez in 2022 for the most among Cardinals Minor Leaguers in a single season since 1949.
COMPLETE CARDINALS PROSPECT COVERAGE
A Báez double in the fourth inning extended a scorching-hot month of September. Through the year’s final 11 games, he slashed .405/.447/.738 with four home runs and 13 RBIs.
The 21-year-old shortstop also started a nifty double play in the eighth inning, moving hard to his right and delivering a clean throw to second base.
Acquired by the Cardinals in last season’s Ryan Helsley trade, Báez has seen a big-time breakout in 2026. He finished the year with new career-highs in doubles (21), homers (39), RBIs (109) and OPS (.915). He had never finished a year with an OPS above .800.
With a strong arm but somewhat limited range at shortstop, Báez could be better suited for third base in the future. But his raw, 55-grade power has shown up in a big way this year, with a decision looming for the Cardinals this offseason. Báez will be Rule 5 Draft-eligible entering his age-22 campaign.