A former St. Louis Cardinals player is back in the spotlight after being released by his current organization, potentially opening the door for another MLB opportunity as teams look to add offensive depth.
This week, the Arizona Diamondbacks parted ways with first baseman Luken Baker after his stint with their Triple-A affiliate, the Reno Aces. According to MLB.com on June 15, Baker was officially released, ending his minor league deal that he signed during the offseason. He also briefly appeared in three MLB games for Arizona during his time with the club.
The 29-year-old has spent most of the 2026 season at Triple-A, where he has struggled to find consistent production. In 51 games, Baker is hitting .218 with 39 hits, three home runs, and 20 RBIs, numbers that reflect a modest offensive output.
Baker originally entered professional baseball as a second-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. He began his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he spent three seasons developing as a power-hitting option off the bench or in depth roles. During his time in the majors, he appeared in 76 games, posting a .206 batting average with 34 hits, four home runs, 22 RBIs, 15 runs scored, and one stolen base.
While his major league numbers have been limited, Baker’s profile as a depth hitter still makes him a possible candidate for another organization looking for bench support or minor league power. With roster movement common across the league, it remains to be seen whether another team will take a chance on him before the end of the 2026 season.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals continue to hold steady in the National League Central. Through 70 games, they sit in second place with a 39-31 record. The team has been in strong form recently, going 7-3 over their last 10 games and performing well at home with a 20-16 record in 36 contests.
On the other hand, the Diamondbacks remain competitive in the National League West, sitting in third place with a 37-35 record after 72 games. They are currently in the middle of a home series against the Los Angeles Angels as they continue to push for position in the standings.
Baker’s release adds another layer to his journeyman path, and his future in professional baseball will depend on whether another club sees value in his bat as the season progresses.
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