The St. Louis Cardinals are currently going through a significant rebuild, but their outlook is beginning to improve. Young talents like Jordan Walker and JJ Wetherholt are starting to establish themselves at the major league level, while prospects such as Hunter Dobbins and Jimmy Crooks are making progress in the minors.
For the Cardinals to stay on track, their farm system needs to keep producing. The organization is counting on its top prospects to start strong and build momentum as the season progresses. Fortunately, their minor league system is loaded with talent across multiple levels.
Recently, Thomas Nestico of TJStats pointed out Tanner Franklin as one of the hottest prospects in baseball right now. The former teammate of Liam Doyle has been particularly impressive so far this spring.
Tanner Franklin has true ace potential
“Tanner Franklin, the 72nd pick in the 2025 draft, made a strong first impression following his selection, flashing one of the best fastballs in MiLB during his stint in Low-A,” Nestico wrote. “That showcase was enough for him to never see Palm Beach again, as he has laid waste to High-A since.
“Franklin’s fastball sits in the upper 90s with above-average ride from a below-average release point. These traits push it to plus-plus territory. His secondaries are not nearly as crisp as his fastball, and their development will be integral for Franklin’s future as a starter after he spent his college career in the bullpen.”
Franklin wasn’t as dominant as Doyle, but the gap between the two wasn’t as large as some made it out to be. The 6-foot-5 righty has made three starts this season and allowed seven hits and four walks over 10 2/3 innings while holding a 2.53 ERA. But the best part about his game is his ability to generate a whiff. Franklin has 22 strikeouts in those 10 2/3 innings this season.
He has a dominant fastball with a few developing offspeed pitches. He’s very similar to Doyle in his pitch arsenal. If he can continue at this pace, while limiting walks, he could fly through High-A and reach Double-A in the coming months.
Franklin has the potential to be a stud for the Cardinals. He’s certainly a name to keep an eye on.
