The Cardinals designated Tink Hence for assignment on August 1, 2026, clearing a 40-man roster spot for Quinn Mathews. Mathews had his contract selected from Triple-A Memphis and was set to make his MLB debut in a start against the Blue Jays.
The move leaves Hence in roster limbo, but it also reflects where his stock stands now compared with where it was not long ago. Selected in the second round of the 2020 draft, Hence was still getting top-100 prospect attention in 2025, though that reputation has faded because of injuries and poor control.
Why Hence's season changed his outlook
The Cardinals used Hence mostly as a reliever at Triple-A Memphis this season in an effort to keep him healthy, but the results were not encouraging. Over 20 1/3 innings, he posted a 6.64 ERA, walked 18.2% of the batters he faced and allowed four home runs.
That kind of line makes it harder for a team to justify holding a roster spot, especially when another young arm is ready for an opportunity. In this case, the Cardinals chose Mathews, who became the immediate priority as Hence moved off the 40-man roster.
What comes next
As Mark Polishuk noted, Hence now finds himself in roster limbo to make way for another up-and-coming young arm in Mathews. It also seems quite likely the Cardinals will try to swing a deal for Hence before Monday’s trade deadline.
If no trade materializes, another club could still take a chance on a former top-100 prospect with some talent left in the profile. But after injuries, control problems and a difficult first run at Triple-A, Hence is no longer the same obvious long-term hold he once appeared to be.
