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Cardinals Move On From Nick Raquet After Unique Journey to MLB
The St. Louis Cardinals designated the 30-year-old rookie for assignment after just two appearances in the majors.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:11pm
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The St. Louis Cardinals made several roster moves on Sunday, including designating 30-year-old rookie pitcher Nick Raquet for assignment. Raquet had a unique journey to the major leagues, being selected in the 2017 draft by the Washington Nationals and not advancing past High-A until joining the Cardinals' organization in 2024. He took a break from baseball around the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic before returning to play in independent and international leagues. Raquet made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 2025 and had a 2.24 ERA in the minors last season, but was designated for assignment after two appearances in the majors this year.
Why it matters
Raquet's story highlights the challenges and perseverance required for some players to reach the major leagues, especially those who take untraditional paths. The Cardinals' decision to move on from Raquet after a brief MLB stint shows the competitive nature of roster spots at the highest level of professional baseball.
The details
The Cardinals selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Jared Shuster from Triple-A Memphis and optioned right-hander Chris Roycroft to the minors. Raquet, who was selected in the 3rd round of the 2017 draft by the Nationals, made it to High-A in their system before taking a break from baseball around the 2020 pandemic. He returned to play in independent and international leagues before the Cardinals signed him in 2024. Raquet had a 2.24 ERA in the minors last season and made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 2025, but was designated for assignment after two appearances this year.
- Raquet was selected in the 3rd round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals.
- Raquet took a break from baseball around the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
- Raquet joined the St. Louis Cardinals' organization ahead of the 2024 season.
- Raquet made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 2025.
- Raquet was designated for assignment by the Cardinals on April 6, 2026.
The players
Nick Raquet
A 30-year-old rookie pitcher who had a unique journey to the major leagues, being selected in the 2017 draft by the Washington Nationals and not advancing past High-A until joining the Cardinals' organization in 2024.
Jared Shuster
A left-handed pitcher who the Cardinals selected the contract of from Triple-A Memphis.
Chris Roycroft
A right-handed pitcher who the Cardinals optioned down to the minors.
What’s next
It's unclear if another team will claim Raquet off waivers or if the Cardinals will be able to outright him to the minors.
The takeaway
Raquet's journey to the major leagues was long and winding, but he was ultimately unable to stick with the Cardinals after making his MLB debut in 2025. His story highlights the challenges some players face in reaching the highest level of professional baseball.
