Cardinals’ Joshua Baez makes history with three homers in first three MLB at-bats in eye-popping debut

Talk about a first impression. Joshua Báez, the star prospect whom the Cardinals called up Friday, made history during his MLB debut Saturday, launching home runs in his first three at-bats as St. Louis took on the Cubs. Báez became the first player in league history to hit three homers during his debut, according to MLB’s Sarah Langs, and he provided the boost the Cardinals expected when they brought up the outfielder — ranked as the organization’s No. 3 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline — for the regular season’s stretch run. Joshua Báez of the St. Louis Cardinals hits a home run during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Chicago. Getty Images His afternoon started by taking the first pitch he ever saw in the majors — a four-seam fa