Cooper

Hjerpe

Baez made a major statement this spring, slashing .333/.417/.762 with three homers, five RBI and a 6/2 K/BB ratio in 24 plate appearances, leading fantasy managers to clamor for his inclusion on Cardinals’ Opening Day roster. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. He should debut at some point during the 2026 campaign, but that makes him a difficult stash in mixed leagues to begin the season.

Baez is the biggest name to know for fantasy purposes after putting together a breakthrough campaign last season where he blossomed into one of the premier slugging prospects in the game, slashing .287/.384/.500 with 20 homers and 54 stolen bases across 117 games between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield. It’s only a matter of time before he’s making some real noise as a power/speed combo threat in St. Louis.

Hjerpe, 24, has been limited to 93 innings since being drafted 22nd overall in the 2022 draft. He had a 3.27 ERA and a 76/28 K/BB over 52 1/3 innings in 19 starts between high-A and Double-A last year.

Hjerpe, 23, posted a 3.35 ERA and a 56/20 K/BB over 11 starts and 37 2/3 innings. The left-hander underwent elbow surgery last year, so the 22-year-old has been brought along slowly in 2024 to manage his innings and expectations. He could be a part of the St. Louis rotation at this point in 2025.

Kloffenstein was always an extreme longshot to crack the Cardinals’ Opening Day rotation — even with the injury to Sonny Gray — so his demotion doesn’t come as a surprise. It also won’t be surprising to see him debut with the big league club at some point during the upcoming season, Kloffenstein registered a 3.16 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and a 140/55 K/BB ratio across 128 innings in 26 appearances (25 starts) between Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Memphis in 2023.

Jim Callis of MLB.com reports that Hjerpe will receive a $3,182,200 signing bonus -- which is the full slot value for the 22nd selection in the draft. While his overall ceiling isn’t as high as other collegiate hurlers selected in the first round, Hjerpe should be one of the first from this draft class to reach the big leagues.

Hjerpe was one of the best collegiate pitchers in terms of performance, and it’s not a surprise to see him head to St. Louis with this selection. The Beaver left-hander has one of the best curveballs in the class, and while he’s not a hurler who overpowers with his fastball, he can get extension on his 92-94 mph heater. He also has a solid change, and he throws all three pitches for strikes with quality command, as well. Hjerpe is the definition of a backend starter, but one who should reach the majors quickly.