2026-06-12 · Sports Illustrated

The St. Louis Cardinals made a significant move in their minor league system by releasing catcher Chase Adkison after four years with the organization. This decision comes as the Cardinals continue to manage their roster and evaluate their catching prospects. Adkison, who began his professional career in 2023, showed promise in the minors but ultimately did not make the impact needed to secure a spot. During his time, he played for Class-A Palm Beach and Double-A Springfield, posting solid offensive numbers, including a .286 batting average and an .819 OPS in 2025. However, injuries limited his appearances in 2026, leading to his release. The Cardinals are currently well-stocked with catching talent, featuring players like Iván Herrera, Jimmy Crooks, and Pedro Pagés at the major league level. Additionally, top prospects Rainiel Rodriguez and Leo Bernal are making waves in the minors, contributing to the team's depth at the catcher position. This release of Adkison reflects the Cardinals' strategy of maintaining a competitive roster while developing their young talent. As the season progresses, the focus will remain on how these changes impact the team's overall performance and future roster decisions.