What's Happening?
The St. Louis Cardinals are evaluating the future role of Tink Hence, a promising young pitcher drafted in 2020. Despite his potential, Hence has struggled with injuries, limiting his innings and raising questions about his durability as a starter. The Cardinals are considering whether to develop him as a starter or a reliever, given his limited innings and time spent on the injured list. Hence's performance in the upcoming season will be crucial as he is on the 40-man roster, and the team must decide how to best utilize his talents while managing roster spots for other prospects.
Why It's Important?
The decision on Hence's role is significant for the Cardinals as it impacts their pitching depth and future roster planning. Developing Hence as a reliable pitcher,
whether as a starter or reliever, could strengthen their bullpen or rotation. However, his limited innings and injury history pose a risk. The Cardinals must balance his development with the need to maintain a competitive roster, especially as they face decisions on other prospects. Hence's situation highlights the challenges teams face in managing young talent and roster constraints.
What's Next?
The Cardinals will likely start Hence in the minors for the 2026 season, focusing on building his innings and assessing his health. They may use him in controlled situations, such as an opener or in bullpen roles, to manage his workload. The team will monitor his performance closely, as his development could influence their roster decisions in the coming years. If Hence can stay healthy and perform well, he may earn a spot on the major league roster, but the team must be cautious with his innings to avoid further injuries.
