Photo/Phil Selig
The St. Louis Cardinals made some excellent additions to the farm system at the trade deadline last season. The Cardinals’ prospect César Prieto was one that may have flown under the radar for some. However, he is showing now that he could be a key piece in the near future.
The young Cardinals’ infielder from Cuba is putting up some impressive numbers so far. He is hitting .333 with 19 extra base hits, including seven homeruns. Additionally, he has racked up 27 RBI’s and has a .911 OPS for Triple-A Memphis.
Cardinals’ Prospect Prieto Key Addition in Flaherty Trade
Jack Flaherty was once considered the future ace for the Cardinals. Unfortunately for both the Cardinals and Flaherty, this never materialized. Seemingly, every time he got on track, his progress would be derailed by injury. After the Cardinals’ season went down the drain, it was a foregone conclusion that they would be moving the righty. There was never any doubt that he was going to test free agency, so it was a smart move by the organization to get what they could before he was gone.
Prieto was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles along with Drew Rom and Zack Showalter. Many fans looked at the pitchers they received in the trade and were unimpressed with the return. However, Prieto was the best player acquired in that deal and could make that trade look good. It will end up being a decent deal if he continues to hit like he has throughout his entire professional career.
Success in Baltimore’s Farm System Continues in Memphis
The Cardinals’ prospect Prieto was promoted to Triple-A for Baltimore last year after raking his way to a .364/.406/.476 slash line at Double-A. Then he put up an impressive .317/.365/.471 slash line with 11 extra-base hits and 20 RBIs in 27 games before being traded to Triple-A Memphis. Additionally, he put up decent numbers in Memphis to finish out the season.
The young left-handed hitting infielder isn’t a power hitter but has the potential to be a solid top of the line-up table setter. He may not end up being a starter. However, he has the potential to be an everyday player at his ceiling and a nice utility player off the bench, at the least. The Cardinals’ prospect Prieto is undoubtedly one to keep an eye on.
