Luken Baker, 1B
A power hitter whom the Cardinals took in the second round of the 2018 draft, Luken Baker has yet to show that he can amount to more than organizational depth. 2022 was his first full season at Triple-A, and while he swatted 21 home runs, he also hit only .228 with an OPS of .683. More worryingly, he struck out in 27.8% of his at-bats.
"Watch out in that YMCA parking lot!"
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 6, 2022
No. 17 @Cardinals prospect Luken Baker goes way out to left-center for his first Triple-A @memphisredbirds home run. pic.twitter.com/cjoLmaOlrE
Paul Goldschmidt has a stranglehold on the Cardinals' first base job, and Juan Yepez will likely earn some starts as well, but if Baker can prove he is more than a one-tool player, he might earn a smattering of playing time. If not, the Cardinals will probably cut bait with the former prospect.