Cardinals Declare 10 Minor Leaguers Free Agents

On November 3, the St. Louis Cardinals announced that 10 players had become minor league free agents. The group includes right-handers Tink Hence, Jose Davila, Bruno Lopez, Ryan Murphy, Sem Robberse, Darlin Saladin and Gerardo Salas; first baseman Bligh Madris; left-hander Zack Thompson; and catcher Andy Yerzy. The team also said it had brought back Randel Clemente, Josh Fleming and Ramon Mendoza on minor league deals for 2027.

Hence, 24, was once the organization’s leading prospect after being selected in the second round of the 2020 draft. He posted a 1.38 ERA across 16 starts in 2022, but injuries have limited his availability in later seasons. He pitched in only eight games in 2025. The Cardinals moved him to the bullpen in 2026, when he recorded a 6.64 ERA in 19 appearances, including three starts at Triple-A.

Thompson, a first-round pick taken 19th in 2019, appeared in 52 major league games from 2022 through 2024, posting a 4.50 ERA over 118 innings. He has not pitched in a game since. Robberse, who ranked among the Cardinals’ top 15 prospects in both 2024 and 2025, reached Triple-A but did not make a major league appearance for St. Louis. Injuries repeatedly interrupted his career.