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St. Louis Cardinals Top 10 Prospects For 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of St. Louis Cardinals hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Cardinals 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of St. Louis Cardinals hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Cardinals 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; West catcher Carsson Kelly of the St Louis Cardinals during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; West catcher Carsson Kelly of the St Louis Cardinals during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Carson Kelly, C

Birthdate: 7/14/94 (22 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: AA, AAA, MLB
Stats in 2016: .289/.343/.395, 6 HR (minor league stats only)

Kelly was drafted as a third baseman who had some power potential, but he has not really developed the bat as he’s moved behind the plate. Instead, he’s become an impressive receiver.

Kelly is a guy that really looks natural behind the plate. He has a plus arm with tremendous footwork behind the plate and the ability to get down to block as well.

At the plate, Kelly was supposed to be a guy who could hit a little but offer big power. Instead, as he’s developed as a catcher, that’s flipped.

Right now, I’d probably put Kelly as a 55 hit and 50 power guy as I do believe the raw power is still there. He has shown surprisingly high ability to recognize pitches and keep his walk rate respectable, and his ability to get the bat through the zone quickly should allow him to have the opportunity to hit for a decent average.

Kelly showed well at the upper minors in 2016, and really has shown defensively to be ready for a big league trial, though there’s some Yadier Molina guy in front of him in the Cardinals clubhouse.

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