Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jake Woodford

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 24, 2026

Discover the career path of Jake Woodford, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jacob "Jake" Woodford is an American professional baseball pitcher. He debuted in MLB in 2020 with the St. Louis Cardinals and has since played for the Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Arizona Diamondbacks. He is currently in the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Professional Debut with GCL Cardinals

In 2015, Jacob Woodford made his professional debut with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Cardinals, pitching to a 1–0 record and a 2.39 ERA in eight games.

2015: Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals

In 2015, Woodford was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 39th overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft, leading him to forgo his commitment to the University of Florida and sign with the team.

2017: Plays with Palm Beach Cardinals

In 2017, Woodford played with the Palm Beach Cardinals, achieving a 7-6 record with a 3.10 ERA in 23 games (21 starts).

2018: Plays with Springfield and Memphis Cardinals

In 2018, Woodford played with the Springfield Cardinals, earning a Texas League All-Star title, before being promoted to the Memphis Redbirds during the season. In 16 starts for Springfield, he had a 3–8 record with a 5.22 ERA, and in 12 starts for Memphis, he was 5–5 with a 4.50 ERA.

2018: Spring Training Invitee

In 2018, Woodford was a non-roster invitee to spring training.

2019: Pacific Coast League All-Star

In 2019, Woodford returned to Memphis, earning Pacific Coast League All-Star honors. He went 9–8 with a 4.15 ERA over 26 starts, striking out 131 batters and was added to St. Louis' 40-man roster following the season.

July 28, 2020: Promoted to Major Leagues

On July 28, 2020, Woodford was promoted to the major leagues.

2020: MLB Debut

In 2020, Jacob Woodford made his Major League Baseball debut with the St. Louis Cardinals, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2021: Reliever and Starter

In 2021, Woodford worked mainly as a reliever but also started 8 games. He went 3-4 with a 3.99 ERA and 50 strikeouts over 67+2⁄3 innings.

October 9, 2022: Reassigned to Minor Leagues

On October 9, 2022, Woodford was reassigned to the minor leagues.

2022: Multiple Assignments

In 2022, Woodford spent time being recalled and optioned between the Memphis Redbirds and the Cardinals, appearing in 11 games (10 starts) with the Redbirds and 27 games (1 start) with the Cardinals. He went 4-0 with a 2.23 ERA across 48+1⁄3 innings for the Cardinals.