St. Louis Cardinals: Luken Baker called up to Peoria

St. Louis Cardinals infielder Luken Baker has been called up to Low-A Peoria from the Gulf Coast League Cardinals.

This move seems rather quick, as Luken Baker was the second round selection of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2018 draft. He was on a tear to start his professional career, and that was rewarded with a promotion.

Baker got the good news after just 24 at bats with the GCL Cardinals. It is hard to deny that the call up is earned, but there is argument to be made about how quickly it happened.

GCL Performance

Eight games and 24 at bats is hardly a long time. But, Baker knocked 12 hits during that short time. That includes two doubles, a round tripper, and seven RBI’s. This could just be a pretty solid hot streak, but clearly the organization is convinced otherwise.

An Earned Promotion

It can be argued forever if it was just a hot streak or not. I am of the mindset that it is more than that. College bats are coveted in drafts for a reason, and that is because they are more advanced out of the gate. Especially from a highly respected program like TCU, which is where Baker is coming from.

By no stretch of the imagination should this move be considered too quick. Baker was a second rounder from a program with a great reputation, he is a good hitter. Just because he started on fire, does not mean he is not ready for the next level.

Other Minors Moves

The move to call up Baker is one of several. There had to be room to for him on the Chiefs roster. A spot opened up in Memphis with Luke Weaver going to the St. Louis Cardinals. That spot was filled by pitcher Jake Woodford from Springfield. Infielder Andy Young went to Springfield from Palm Beach, which allowed Irving Lopez to go Palm Beach from Peoria. Thus, opening up a spot for Baker to move to Peoria.

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It is certainly an honor to be called up so quick. The move says a lot about what the St. Louis Cardinals think of Baker as a player, which should also get the fans excited about what is to come. Baker will not have long to prove he belongs, because the same chain reaction that got him the call could send him back down. That is the life of minor leaguers.