Expanding rosters in September may see the promotion of 2 promising Cardinals prospects.
St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox Shuffle Rosters Ahead of September Expansion
The Major League Baseball (MLB) rosters are set to expand from 26 players to 28 men in September, and teams are making moves to adjust their rosters accordingly.
In St. Louis, the Cardinals have promoted infielder Cesar Prieto and Jimmy Crooks, filling their 40-man roster. However, the team's roster decisions could potentially draw ire and questions from fans, particularly regarding Garrett Hampson. The Cardinals have not made any flashy moves in terms of September call-ups, instead opting for more fringy moves.
The minor-league seasons are wrapping up in September, allowing teams to prioritize major-league reinforcements over minor-league success. If called up, prospects Victor Scott II and Brendan Donovan could fill two of the extra spots on the Cardinals' roster in September. Scott II, known for his impressive hitting and power, and Donovan, a versatile infielder, are expected to return to the lineup in the next week or two.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals' roster balance is a challenge due to the promotions and Zack Thompson's injury. The team is aiming to play their best options, even if it means making roster moves to preserve 40-man roster spots.
Across the league, the Boston Red Sox's Chaim Bloom's focus remains on the Rule 5 Draft this winter. The Rule 5 Draft allows teams to acquire players not on another team's 40-man roster. The Red Sox can trim their roster, acquire players via the Rule 5 Draft, and add prospects eligible for the Rule 5 Draft within their organization.
The Rule 5 Draft is a priority for the Red Sox this winter, as they look to strengthen their squad. The St. Louis Cardinals, on the other hand, might use the extra roster spots to evaluate a minor leaguer rather than returning to the same roster.
The extra two players brought up in September are welcome on every roster, but the St. Louis Cardinals' call-ups are not expected to be overly exciting. The two most likely St. Louis Cardinals minor league players to be called up in September 2025 are JJ Wetherholt, a top-performing infielder in Triple-A, and Rainiel Rodriguez, an 18-year-old catcher with outstanding offensive stats in High-A.
Teams use the September roster expansion for various reasons, including promoting top prospects, long-time minor leaguers, and "the next man up". The extra two players brought up in September are always a welcome addition to any roster.
Injury updates: Zack Thompson is on the 60-day Injured List for the St. Louis Cardinals.
