Local baseball players Connor Thomas and Cade Marlowe continue to play for AAA clubs in hopes of being called up to their Major League teams this year.

A 2019 fifth round draft pick out of Georgia Tech for the St. Louis Cardinals, Thomas could be poised to reach the big leagues in the second half of 2024.

After a couple of tough seasons in the Minors, Thomas is having a solid campaign for the Memphis Redbirds. Working out of the bullpen, his ERA is 3.31 this year, with two saves and two holds to his credit.

The pinpoint control has been especially impressive, with Thomas allowing a mere nine walking through June in 49 innings pitched. That is compared to 41 strikeouts.

The ERA is Thomas’ lowest ever as a pro and while he’s thrown out of the pen, Memphis uses him in short and long relief outings.

Marlowe made his Major League debut in 2023 with the Seattle Mariners, socking three homers and providing a big spark over his 34 games.

He’s struggled in Tacoma this season, hitting .218 as of July 3, though his home run and RBI numbers have been solid at 10 and 38, respectively. Marlowe is tearing up the basepaths when he reaches base and he’s almost reached his career high in the department. He has 39 swipes, only three short of his best figure, 42 set in 2022.

Marlowe’s patience at the plate is at a career best, according to MILB advanced stats. He’s seeing an average of four pitches per plate appearance and has yet to ground into a double play.

Thomas played high school ball for the Tift County Blue Devils. Marlowe suited up for Tiftarea Academy before excelling at West Georgia.