Cardinals’ Prospect Roby Is Having Breakout Season in 2025

St. Louis Cardinals’ pitching prospect Tekoah Roby entered the 2025 season with a cloud of “what if” hanging over him. Blessed with electric stuff but plagued by injuries in previous years, his health and consistency were the primary questions.

As of early July, the 23-year-old right-hander has emphatically answered those questions, putting together a stellar campaign that has seen him dominate at Double-A and earn a well-deserved promotion to Triple-A, placing him firmly on the doorstep of a Major League debut.

Commitment to Staying Healthy

Roby’s 2025 has been promising as far as durability is concerned. After a 2024 season limited to just 10 starts due to back and shoulder issues, the Cardinals’ prospect department lauded his commitment to staying healthy. Their faith has been rewarded handsomely. Through a combined 14 starts across Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis, Roby boasts an impressive 6-3 record with a 3.42 ERA over 68.1 innings. His control has been excellent, with just 17 walks, and he’s tallied 75 strikeouts, showcasing his swing-and-miss arsenal.

The consistent health has allowed Roby to truly settle into his mechanics and refine his pitches. Scouts have long drooled over his smooth delivery and the raw stuff, but the missing piece was the ability to consistently take the mound. This year, he’s proven he can handle a starter’s workload. Which has significantly boosted his stock.

Roby Dominates Double-A

The first half of Roby’s season was spent meticulously carving up Double-A hitters. In 10 starts for the Springfield Cardinals, he was nothing short of brilliant. His 4-2 record, coupled with a sparkling 2.49 ERA and a minuscule 0.96 WHIP, underscored his dominance. Roby struck out 57 batters while issuing only 11 walks in 47 innings. He was named the Cardinals’ Minor League Pitcher of the Month for May, a testament to his exceptional performance.

His fastball, typically sitting in the 94-97 mph range with a flat angle and good extension, has been a potent weapon. However, it’s his curveball that truly stands out. It generates a ton of whiffs, proving to be the best pitch in his arsenal. Roby has also continued to refine his low-80s changeup and a harder slider, adding depth to his four-pitch mix.

Roby Earns Triple-A Promotion

Roby’s stellar Double-A performance earned him a promotion to Triple-A Memphis on June 9th. His transition to the higher level has, predictably, come with a learning curve. Particularly regarding the different baseball used in Triple-A and MLB compared to the minor leagues. As Roby himself noted, the major league ball is harder to grip and manipulate. It requires adjustments to his pitch shapes and command. His first two starts with the Redbirds saw him give up 12 runs on 15 hits over 10 1/3 innings, a stark contrast to his Double-A numbers.

However, the mark of a top prospect often lies in their ability to adjust and overcome adversity. Roby quickly demonstrated that resilience in his third Triple-A outing, tossing six shutout innings against Norfolk, allowing only three hits and one walk. This outing highlighted his adaptability and intelligence on the mound, a crucial trait for any pitcher aiming for the big leagues. While his Triple-A ERA currently sits at 5.48 over 21.1 innings through four starts, with 18 strikeouts and 6 walks, this single impressive start after an initial struggle shows he’s making the necessary adjustments.

Impressive Progress

Ranked as high as the Cardinals’ No. 4 prospect by some outlets and No. 11 by MLB Pipeline, Roby’s trajectory is undeniable. The Cardinals’ front office has been vocal about his “electric stuff” and the possibility of him making his MLB debut before the close of the 2025 season. Given the Cardinals’ ongoing need for pitching depth and Roby’s impressive progress, particularly his renewed health and improved command. A late-season call-up to Busch Stadium appears increasingly likely.

Tekoah Roby’s 2025 season has been a resounding success story thus far. He’s shed the “injury-prone” label and showcased his high-octane stuff with improved control. The young pitcher is now navigating the final rung of the minor league ladder. The Cardinals and their fans should be excited about this prospect’s future. If he can continue his current trajectory he could make an appearance this season.