The St. Louis Cardinals have leaned heavily on their organizational depth at Triple-A Memphis throughout the season as they dealt with injuries and assessed potential call-ups. While several minor leaguers have been given opportunities to contribute in the majors, not every productive player has managed to earn a promotion.
That proved to be the case for the veteran first baseman who enjoyed an impressive offensive campaign in Triple-A but never cracked the Cardinals’ major league roster. Rather than continue waiting for an opportunity that never came, he has decided to continue his career overseas.
The Cardinals have officially parted ways with Bligh Madris, a move that surprised many considering his previous MLB experience and his productive season at the plate for Memphis.
It did not take long for the reason behind the transaction to emerge. Reports indicated that Madris requested his release so he could accept an opportunity to play in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
“The (Cardinals) have transferred the contract of Memphis 1B Bligh Madris to a team in the KBO,” Cardinal Nation reporter Brian Walton wrote on X. “The lefty hitter had a .908 OPS in 71 Triple-A games.”
Strong Numbers Weren’t Enough for Return
Despite putting together one of his better offensive seasons, Madris found himself blocked by the Cardinals’ current roster construction, leaving little room for a promotion.
“The 30-year-old Madris signed a minor league contract with St. Louis last winter, and he has hit .277/.389/.519 with 14 home runs over 284 plate appearances with Triple-A Memphis,” Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors wrote. “Without any injuries opening up roster space, Madris has instead parlayed his Triple-A success into a KBO contract. He’ll now make a larger guaranteed salary as he heads overseas for the second time in his pro career, following a brief stint in the Australian Baseball League during their 2020-21 season.”
Instead of remaining in Triple-A in hopes of eventually earning another major league opportunity, Madris will now continue his career in South Korea, where his strong offensive production helped secure a guaranteed contract and a fresh opportunity on the international stage.