By Lucas Henderson | June 3, 2025
In a bold and potentially season-altering move, the St. Louis Cardinals have officially named rookie right-hander Tink Hence as their new closer, turning to one of the organization’s most exciting young arms in an effort to stabilize the back end of the bullpen. The decision was confirmed by team officials on Tuesday morning, signaling the Cardinals’ growing sense of urgency as they attempt to gain ground in the tightly contested NL Central race.
Hence, just 22 years old, has been widely regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in the Cardinals’ system. Known for his explosive fastball that sits in the high 90s and a devastating slider with late bite, the right-hander has shown signs of being a future star. His poise, command, and ability to generate swings and misses have made him stand out at every level of the minors.
In his most recent stretch with Double-A Springfield, Hence posted a stellar 2.48 ERA while racking up 123 strikeouts in just over 123 innings. Scouts and team officials have been particularly impressed by his composure under pressure and his steady improvement in controlling the strike zone. His promotion to the major league bullpen comes after weeks of speculation that the Cardinals were preparing for a significant shakeup.
“His stuff is electric, and he competes with a level of maturity that’s beyond his years,” said Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. “We’ve had some ups and downs late in games this year, and we felt like it was time to make a change. Tink gives us the kind of dynamic presence on the mound that can shut the door when it matters most.”
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The move also comes in response to ongoing struggles from the Cardinals’ previous late-inning options. With inconsistency plaguing their relief corps, especially in high-leverage situations, the coaching staff and front office felt the time was right to trust a new face with the ninth inning.
“We’re not just looking at his numbers,” said President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. “We’re looking at his growth, his maturity, and his ability to thrive when the game’s on the line. Tink has shown us everything we need to believe he’s ready for this responsibility.”
To make room on the 26-man roster, the Cardinals optioned veteran reliever Nick Robertson back to Triple-A Memphis, a move that further underscores the team’s commitment to injecting fresh energy into its pitching staff.
Hence is expected to make his debut as the team’s closer during the upcoming home series against the Philadelphia Phillies, a matchup with significant playoff implications. The club enters June hovering just above .500 and in need of a spark to stay competitive in a division that remains wide open.
For fans, the promotion is as exciting as it is unexpected. Many have followed Hence’s journey through the farm system with great anticipation, and his debut in such a critical role only adds to the intrigue.
“He’s not here to audition,” Marmol added. “He’s here to finish games. We’re giving him the ball, and we trust him to run with it.”
With one of the brightest arms in their organization now stepping into the spotlight, the Cardinals are hoping that Hence’s arrival can mark the beginning of a stronger, more reliable bullpen—and perhaps a run back to October baseball.
