Cardinals Given Lackluster Farm System Rating By Baseball America

Does St. Louis have an unpromising future?

The St. Louis Cardinals are coming off one of their worst seasons in franchise history and are looking to change the trajectory.

The club has made moves this offseason to ensure that 2024 will have a different outcome than last season's by retooling the rotation and adding bullpen depth.

The future of the organization, however, doesn't seem so bright according to a credible sports media source who gave the Cardinals' farm system an unfavorable rating.

The Cardinals' farm system ranked at No. 20 ahead of next season, according to Baseball America's 2024 MLB Farm System Talent Rankings.

This report comes after the same source recently listed five Cardinals players among the top 100 prospects going into 2024 -- Masyn Winn (No. 39), Tekoah Roby (No. 75), Victor Scott II (No. 83), Tink Hence (No. 84), and Thomas Saggese (No. 85).

Winn is a rising star who won't be called a prospect for much longer. The 21-year-old already made his Major League Baseball debut at the end of 2023 and has a solid chance of being the starting shortstop for St. Louis on Opening Day.

Scott II is climbing up the ladder after stealing an impressive 94 bases and earned a Rawlings Minor League Gold Glove in just his second season last year. The 22-year-old could make his debut sooner than expected if room opens up in the outfield.

Hence and Roby are two starting pitchers with loads of potential who need more experience but could have an impact in seasons to come.

Saggese is an infielder who recorded 170 hits last season -- the most by any player in Minor League Baseball in 2023. His versatility and consistency at the plate could earn him a spot in the big leagues sooner than expected.

Despite the recent gloomy ratings of St. Louis' farm system, Cardinals fans should keep their heads up about the organization's future as there's plenty of talent to look forward to.

More MLB: Cardinals Could Make One More Splash, Sign Starter With Career 3.27 ERA