Cesar Prieto is having his best season ever and has earned a call up
The St. Louis Cardinals look set to bring a new face into the infield on Friday — though it’s not the one many fans have been clamoring for.
Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reported Thursday night that the club is planning to promote Cuban infielder Cesar Prieto, with activation expected in Cincinnati.
“Sources: The St. Louis Cardinals are calling up Cuban infielder Cesar Prieto,” Romero shared. “Prieto, 26, signed with the Orioles in 2022 after leaving Team Cuba’s camp in West Palm Beach, FL, in May 2021. He’s hit .293 with 44 HR in four Minor League seasons, a true story of perseverance. Prieto was one of the pieces in the trade that sent Jack Flaherty to the Orioles in 2023.”
MLB.com’s John Denton added context on social media, highlighting Prieto’s incredible defection story and noting that a corresponding 40-man move will be required if the promotion becomes official.
Prieto has earned the opportunity with his play at Triple-A Memphis. In 107 games this season, he’s slashed .295/.359/.448 with nine home runs, 62 RBIs, 11 steals, and 29 doubles — arguably his strongest professional season to date. He’s also shown defensive versatility, logging time at shortstop, second, and third.
Prieto is having a great season, but Wetherholt is doing even better
But the timing is curious. With top prospect JJ Wetherholt tearing up Triple-A, many expected him to be the next infielder promoted. Particularly since Weatherholt has slashed .331/.411/.625 with 9 home runs and 21 RBI’s in just 30 games at Memphis. Instead, the Cardinals are reaching for Prieto, suggesting Wetherholt’s long-awaited debut isn’t happening just yet. Lending more credence to the rumor that Mozeliak is not going to bring JJ up at all in 2025.
It’s clear Prieto’s story and performance have earned him a shot. Still, the decision leaves fans scratching their heads — why bring up another infielder when the club’s future star, Wetherholt, is still waiting in Memphis?
