St. Louis Cardinals Prospects in the MLB Futures Game

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The MLB Futures Game will take place in Seattle this year on July 8th, just before the All-Star Game. The St. Louis Cardinals had two players named to the roster: Tink Hence and Victor Scott II. The Post Dispatch initially released this information in this article (subscription required).

The Futures Game typically has lots of energy and excitement, as these players go from playing in minor league stadiums with limited amenities to major league stadiums with thousands of fans watching in person and even more watching on TV. It is their chance to make a name for themselves.

Last year, the team sent Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn. Both of these players shone in the game. The Futures Game is a great way for prospects to show their skills on the big stage and become more household names. Tink hence is well known in Cardinal fan circles; however, Victor Scott isn't as well known. Hopefully, both of these prospects leave the game with some success.

Both Hence and Scott II are in High-A Peoria. If you don't get the chance to watch the game, maybe take a day trip up to Peoria to see these future stars play!

Let's take a look at Tink Hence and Victor Scott II to learn a little more about each.

Tink Hence

Currently the No. 2 prospect for the Cardinals, Tink Hence has a strong argument to be the No. 1 prospect in the system. Hence was drafted in the second round of the 2020 draft. He was sent to the Florida Complex League and treated with caution. For his entire minor league career, he has been on pitch and innings limits. Management believes highly in him, so they are trying to limit his possibility of injury.

Currently in High-A Peoria, Tink Hence has pitched 40 innings in 10 starts to the tune of a 2.25 ERA, 1.025 WHIP, and 9.5 Ks/9 innings. As you can see, it is clear that the team is still trying to manage Hence's innings. High-octane pitching tendencies lend him to injuries.

Hence's pitching profile includes a fastball that sits the mid-90s and can reach the upper 90s occasionally. He contrasts that with a power curve that creates high whiff rates. His changeup sits in the mid-80s and is a nice counter to his power fastball.

MLB.com's review of Hence believes he can be a top pitching prospect in the entire league so long as he remains healthy and increases his innings counts.

The stuff needs to hold up into the fifth and sixth innings -- and over 100-plus frames overall -- before Hence could be considered a potential ace, but the individual pieces are there.
MLB.com

Victor Scott II

Victor Scott II is the 25th-ranked prospect in the Cardinals' system. He is currently 22 years old and is playing in A+. Scott was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 draft, so he seems to be right on track for progression through the minors.

Scott is most known for his speed and defense; he continually leads the league in sprint speed numbers. He should be able to handle centerfield quite well at any level. The issue comes with his bat. Currently, he has a slash line of .282/.365/.399 for an OPS of .763. He has struck out 52 times to 28 walks.

Low walk rates have been a bit of a problem with him, but his pop helps make up for this slightly. He has a max EV of 107.6 MPH in the FSL with an uppercut swing. Being left-handed also helps his case to play well, as he should fare well against right-handed pitchers. MLB.com's profile puts it nicely when discussing his ceiling both offensively and defensively.

Scott just has to hit enough to be a carriable bat as a fourth outfielder because the other skills should play.
MLB.com

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Tink Hence may see action early in the game, but Victor Scott II should come in late in the game. Enjoy watching them shine on a national stage! Between these two players, Masyn Winn, Gordon Graceffo, and Ivan Herrera, the future of the Cardinals looks pretty bright!

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