National League teams weigh prospect call-ups during playoff push
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 11:36 PM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026

As the 2026 MLB season nears its conclusion, several National League teams are evaluating their rosters for potential late-season call-ups. St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Joshua Baez recently made his major league debut, sparking discussion on how other franchises might utilize top prospects to assist in postseason races. The Arizona Diamondbacks are considering second baseman Demetrio Crisantes to address a vacancy at second base. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies are looking at right-handed pitcher Gage Wood to potentially bolster their rotation as they contend in the National League East. The Chicago Cubs have top prospect Owen Ayers playing well in the minor leagues, though a crowded catcher position may limit his major league opportunities this year. These teams are weighing the benefits of providing experience to young players against the needs of their respective playoff pushes.
- •Joshua Baez debuted for the St. Louis Cardinals two weeks ago.
- •Demetrio Crisantes is a candidate for the Arizona Diamondbacks second base position.
- •Gage Wood has recorded a high strikeout rate at the Double-A level for the Phillies.
- •Owen Ayers has hit 25 home runs across three levels for the Chicago Cubs organization.
- 11:36 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 National League Playoff Push: Which Prospects Could Still Make an Impact
"The baseball world is now two weeks removed from the historic debut of Joshua Baez. The St. Louis Cardinals were looking to get one of their top prospects some major league experience before the season ended. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they are out of the playoff picture. However, some teams may take advantage of their …
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