The Cardinals were released Bligh Madrisaccording to the first baseman/outfielder’s MLB.com profile page. Cardinal National’s Brian Walton reports that Madris is headed to South Korea to play for a KBO League team.
The 30-year-old Madris signed a minor league contract with St. Louis last winter, and hit .277/.389/.519 with 14 home runs over 284 plate appearances with Triple-A Memphis. These big numbers didn’t lead to a leadoff call, however, as Madris’ primary position at first base was already covered by the lefty bat. Alec Burleson. Most of the Cardinals outfielders are left bats as well Ivan Herrera gets more DH at-bats, and the rebuilding roster is more committed to giving playing time to younger players than a 30-year-old depth player.
Without injuries opening up a roster spot, Madris has instead parlayed his Triple-A success into a KBO contract. Now he is set to make a big guaranteed salary as he heads overseas for the second time in his professional career, following a stint in the Australian Baseball League for their 2020-21 season.
Madris hit .255/.350/.450 over 2085 PA at Triple-A, but has yet to reach that level of production over his three big league seasons. He had a decent line of .269/.324/.358 in 75 PA with the Tigers in 2024, but his career slash is just .204/.273/.286 over 228 PA with Pittsburgh, Houston, and Detroit from 2022-24. The Tigers re-signed Madris to a new minor league contract after signing him after the 2024 season, but injuries limited Madris to 60 minor league games in 2025 without any time in the Show.
