3 Cardinals prospects who have broken out in the second half

C Jimmy Crooks II

Crooks had a strong season with Peoria and should move towards the upper levels of the minors as soon as next season. The catcher was at his best in August when he hit .379 with a 1.038 OPS in 95 at-bats. He did so en route to being named the Midwest League's player of the month, according to Minor League Baseball. Crooks smashed 14 extra-base hits and drove in a whopping 22 runs. He was an integral part of Peoria's playoff push.

Unfortunately, Peoria disappointed in the playoffs, as they were eliminated in the first round. However, Crooks provided a spark with a well-placed line drive to pull within one in the series' final game. Ultimately, the rally came up short ending Peoria's (and Crooks') season in early September. Some believed Crooks may receive limited opportunities at higher levels after the A-Advanced season ended, but the Cardinals chose to treat him carefully. Perhaps a Fall League appearance is in Crooks' future. Such a move would make sense for the Cardinals, especially considering how aggressively they have treated their catchers in recent years.

Crooks' progression is impressive, considering he was selected in the fifth round just one year ago. This particularly hot stretch was just one piece in a great first full season of professional baseball. To advance so quickly in such a demanding position is incredible, and it speaks to his maturity as a player. He has a high offensive ceiling, especially compared to most catchers at his level.

Unfortunately for Crooks, the Cardinals have one of baseball's deepest catching pools. However, the most intriguing of these catchers, Leonardo Bernal, is developmentally behind Crooks. Even if he has trouble moving up the catching depth chart, Crooks has the offensive profile to move to another position, such as first base, designated hitter, or even a corner outfield spot. He has an important 2024 season ahead of him, and if everything goes well he could finish the year on the doorstep of the majors in Memphis.

RP Edwin Nuñez

Nuñez doesn't get talked about nearly enough. Perhaps that's due to his status as a relief prospect. Perhaps it's because he's been in the Cardinals' organization for three seasons and just reached A-Advanced ball for the first time. Or perhaps it's because he dealt with control issues throughout his first two seasons with the Cardinals. Regardless, he broke out in a big way in 2023. Nuñez was effective enough with Palm Beach (3.62 ERA, 35 strikeouts, 27.1 innings pitched) to earn a midseason promotion. He made the jump with Max Rajcic, another 2023 breakout story.

Nuñez needed no adjustment period in Peoria, as he dealt from the start. By the time the season wrapped up in early September, it was clear he'd been even better. Nuñez stepped into a high-level role, often serving as Peoria's closer. He made 22 appearances, totaled 36 innings, and pitched to a 3.22 ERA. Though he didn't generate as many strikeouts, he cut down on walks. Nuñez also continued to demonstrate a strong ability to limit the long ball. On the season, he allowed just five. He was at his best in August when he threw 16.2 innings of 2.70 ERA ball. Nuñez also generated 10 strikeouts and allowed just one home run during this stretch.

His development was very encouraging for Cardinal officials. This was a make-or-break season for him, and by finishing strong at a more advanced level, he can now break into the upper minors during his age-22 season. Expect to see Nuñez reach Springfield, and perhaps even Memphis in 2024. He could be an effective member of the Cardinals bullpen shortly thereafter, as high-octane relief arms tend to move quickly. His 2024 season is sure to be an exciting one.