Cardinals Acquire Minor Leaguer Brayden Smith from Orioles

Trade sends left-handed pitcher Nick Raquet to Baltimore

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:53am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's batting stance or swing, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant colors like deep blue, bright orange, and rich purple, conceptually representing the dynamic motion and power of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a baseball player's swing captures the dynamic motion and power of the game.Stillwater Today

The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired minor league infielder/outfielder Brayden Smith from the Baltimore Orioles, sending left-handed pitcher Nick Raquet to Baltimore in the trade. The 22-year-old Smith, who had a strong 2025 season at Oklahoma State, is known for his versatility and power potential, making him an intriguing addition to the Cardinals' farm system.

Why it matters

The trade demonstrates the Cardinals' strategic approach to building their minor league pipeline, focusing on acquiring versatile players with high ceilings. Smith's ability to play multiple positions could provide the Cardinals with valuable lineup flexibility as they continue to develop their roster.

The details

In the trade, the Cardinals sent left-handed pitcher Nick Raquet to the Orioles in exchange for minor league infielder/outfielder Brayden Smith. Smith, a 22-year-old prospect, had an impressive 2025 season at Oklahoma State, batting .304 with 11 home runs and a .936 OPS. His versatility, which includes experience at second base, left field, and right field, is seen as a valuable asset by the Cardinals.

  • The trade was announced on April 13, 2026.

The players

Brayden Smith

A 22-year-old minor league infielder/outfielder acquired by the St. Louis Cardinals from the Baltimore Orioles. Smith had a strong 2025 season at Oklahoma State, batting .304 with 11 home runs and a .936 OPS.

Nick Raquet

A left-handed pitcher traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Baltimore Orioles in the deal for Brayden Smith.

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What they’re saying

“Brayden Smith's versatility and power potential make him a valuable addition to our farm system. We're excited to see how he develops and how he can contribute to our organization in the future.”

— John Mozeliak, President of Baseball Operations, St. Louis Cardinals

What’s next

The Cardinals will look to integrate Brayden Smith into their minor league system and continue to develop his skills, with the goal of potentially bringing him up to the major league roster in the coming years.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' acquisition of Brayden Smith demonstrates their strategic approach to building their farm system, focusing on versatile players with high ceilings. Smith's ability to play multiple positions and his power potential make him an intriguing addition to the organization, as they continue to develop their roster for long-term success.