Hence did not play after signing with the Cardinals due to the cancellation of the minor league season.[7] He made his professional debut in 2021 with theFlorida Complex League Cardinals, pitching a total of eight innings for the season while giving up eight earned runs and three walks while striking out 14.[8] He opened the 2022 season in extended spring training before he was assigned to thePalm Beach Cardinals in mid-May.[9] On June 15, he pitched three innings of a combinedno-hitter versus theClearwater Threshers.[10] Over 16 starts with Palm Beach, Hence went 0–1 with a 1.38 ERA, 81 strikeouts and 15 walks over52+1⁄3 innings.[11] He was selected to play in theArizona Fall League for theSalt River Rafters after the season.[12] To begin the 2023 season, Hence was assigned to thePeoria Chiefs of theHigh-AMidwest League.[13] He was selected to represent the Cardinals (alongsideVictor Scott II) at the 2023All-Star Futures Game.[14] In early July, he was promoted to theSpringfield Cardinals of theDouble-ATexas League.[15] Over 23 starts between the two teams, Hence went 4–6 with a 4.31 ERA and 99 strikeouts over 96 innings.[16]
Hence returned to Springfield to open the 2024 season.[17] He was selected to his second consecutive All-Star Futures Game alongsideQuinn Mathews.[18] In 20 starts for Springfield, he compiled a 4–3 record and 2.71 ERA with 109 strikeouts across79+2⁄3 innings pitched. Following the season, the Cardinals added Hence to their40-man roster to protect him from theRule 5 draft.[19]
Hence was optioned to Double-A Springfield to begin the 2025 season.[20]
