Alex Birge, a catcher for the University of California Golden Bears, signed a professional contract as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals’ organization on July 19, 2025. Despite not being selected in the 20-round MLB draft, Birge’s power-hitting and plate discipline caught the attention of the Cardinals.
Birge transferred to Cal for the 2025 season after three years at Wichita State (2022–2024). In his single campaign with the Bears, he played in 45 games (41 starts behind the plate), delivering a breakout offensive season with 12 home runs and 40 walks. He ranked second in on-base percentage (.415), third in runs scored (38), and led the team in slugging (.582).
His overall collegiate line across 88 games at Wichita State and Cal stood at a .209 batting average, with 12 homers and 28 RBIs. But his ability to draw walks and hit for power in 2025 — 22 of his 31 hits were for extra bases — showcased clear development in his offensive game.
Defensively, Birge proved reliable behind the plate, throwing out 11 of 31 would‑be base stealers (a 35.5% caught-stealing rate), demonstrating solid arm strength and baseball IQ.
Off the field, Birge earned high academic honors, being named to the second-team Academic All-America baseball team in early July. With a graduate GPA of 3.67 and cumulative GPA above 3.9, he joined a select lineage of Cal baseball players recognized for their academic and athletic excellence.
Birge expressed immense gratitude for his time at Cal, calling it “some of the best of my life” and thanking coaches and teammates for their belief and support. Head coach Mike Neu praised Birge’s leadership, defensive acumen, and his added offensive contributions. The Cardinals are expected to assign him to their minor league system where he’ll begin his professional journey.
Let me know if you’d like to dive deeper into his scouting report or what position he might start at in the Cardinals’ farm system!
