Tink Hence's journey with the St. Louis Cardinals has been a rollercoaster, and as we head into the 2026 spring training, it looks like the ride is taking another turn.
Drafted 63rd overall in 2020, Hence was once seen as a beacon of hope for the Cardinals' rotation. But as injuries piled up, the promise began to dim.
Now, with Cardinals manager Oli Marmol's recent comments, it seems Hence's path is shifting towards the bullpen.
Marmol announced that Hence will follow a reliever’s schedule throughout spring training, pitching one to two innings multiple times a week. While the door isn't completely shut on him becoming a starter, the writing on the wall suggests a bullpen role is more likely.
Standing at 6-foot-1, Hence always faced questions about his durability as a starter. Unfortunately, those concerns have materialized, with shoulder issues being particularly troubling.
The move to the bullpen could be a strategic one, allowing Hence to contribute in 2026 even if he's not on the Opening Day roster. With the Cardinals focusing on developing young talent this year, Hence has the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.
If he excels, there might be a chance to revisit his role in the rotation in future seasons.
Short stints in relief could be just what Hence needs to regain his form. His fastball lost some heat in 2025, dropping by 2 mph, and his slider lost its sharpness.
His first spring training outing showed that his pitching metrics weren't where fans hoped they'd be. However, a healthy stint in the bullpen might help Hence rediscover his past effectiveness.
If Hence isn't destined for the rotation, the Cardinals will need to continue building their pitching arsenal. They've already made strides, drafting high-ceiling talents like Liam Doyle and Tanner Franklin in 2025.
If Hence's performance in relief improves, the Cardinals could be looking at a formidable pitching lineup in the coming years. The future may hold some exciting possibilities for the Cardinals' pitching staff, and Tink Hence could still play a pivotal role in it.