ST. LOUIS – After a tough 2025 season that left a bitter taste, César Prieto is back with the St. Louis Cardinals, and he's bringing a whole new game with him.

The 26-year-old infielder has bulked up, added muscle, and transformed his approach at the plate. The results? A scorching start at Triple-A Memphis that's impossible to ignore. In 28 games, Prieto has crushed six home runs, seven doubles, and a triple, posting a blistering .311/.357/.566 slash line with 14 RBIs.

That kind of power surge earned Prieto a call-up to the big club on Monday, replacing Thomas Saggese, who was sent down to Memphis for regular playing time. It's a chance Prieto has been working toward ever since his brief, forgettable MLB debut in 2025, when he went just 1-for-6 with five strikeouts over two stints.

"That experience is going to help because I know what I'm going to face now," Prieto said through Cardinals bullpen catcher and translator Kleininger Teran. "I know it was only six at-bats, but I have a better idea now, and I have good preparation for what's coming."

That preparation started in the offseason, when Prieto focused on getting stronger and more explosive. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound Cuban native put in the work, and it's paying off in a big way.

"I really worked during the offseason trying to get stronger, and thanks to God I am hitting with that power now," Prieto said.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol has been impressed by the reports from Triple-A, especially from Memphis skipper Ben Johnson.

"The reports have been really good, and his offensive numbers speak for themselves," Marmol said. "Defensively, he's been more locked in and making it more impressive."

Now, Prieto is ready to prove that his 2025 struggles are behind him—and that he belongs in the big leagues for good.