Cardinals Officially Release 2 Players From Organization

The St. Louis Cardinals moved on from two different pitching prospects.

Feb 21, 2024; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Victor Santos (86). Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The St. Louis Cardinals made a few moves down in the minors throughout the week.

St. Louis released two pitching prospects in Jawilme Ramírez and Victor Santos, as reflected in the official MiLB transaction log.

Of the two prospects released, the one that stands out the most is Santos. He is a 26-year-old righty who came to town back in 2023 by way of a trade with the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Tyler O'Neill. The Cardinals traded the veteran slugger in exchange for Santos and fellow right-handed pitcher Nick Robertson. O'Neill went on to have one of the best seasons of his career in Boston in 2024. He slashed .241/.336/.511 with an .847 OPS, 31 home runs and 61 RBIs in 113 games played. It was the first time he had played in over 100 games since 2021 and he hasn't reached the threshold since.

In exchange, the Cardinals got Santos, who made it up to Triple-A but was never able to get over the hump into the big leagues. Robertson pitched in just eight games as a member of the Cardinals in the majors. Unfortunately, not the best deal for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals Cut Ties With Two Pitching Prospects

Feb 21, 2024; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Victor Santos (86). Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Santos actually had a solid 2026 season before his release. He pitched in 17 total games across FCL, Class-A Palm Beach, High-A Peoria, and Triple-A Memphis and logged a 2.74 ERA in 23 innings of work.

He began his professional baseball career back in 2017 in the Philadelphia Phillies' organization. Overall, he has pitched in 151 total games down in the minors in the Phillies, Red Sox, and Cardinals' farm systems and has a 3.95 ERA. Now, he's out there for the taking for another team to swoop in and sign him.

Ramírez is a 24-year-old prospect who has been pitching professionally since 2021. He spent the first four seasons of his professional baseball career in the New York Mets' farm system. He joined the Cardinals ahead of the 2025 season. In 2025, he logged a 3.02 ERA in 39 total outings with High-A Peoria. He hasn't had the same luck this season, though. In 2026, he has logged a 5.50 ERA in 28 total outings with High-A Peoria.

At the end of the day, these two decisions don't impact the big league club at this time. But these are two depth options no longer with the organization.