Get ready for an exciting baseball season as we dive into the St. Louis Cardinals' Opening Day roster predictions! The time has come to count down the days until spring training, and with it, the anticipation of a new baseball season builds!
With the latest insights, we can make informed guesses about the Cardinals' lineup for the big day. However, this team has some tough choices to make, and there's still time for trades to shake things up.
Here's a sneak peek at the potential roster, but remember, it's all subject to change!
Starting Pitchers (6)
- Richard Fitts
- Kyle Leahy
- Matthew Liberatore
- Dustin May
- Michael McGreevy
- Andre Pallante
Injured List: Hunter Dobbins
There are two groups within the starters. Liberatore, May, and McGreevy are the incumbents and will likely make the Opening Day rotation if they stay injury-free. The other three will compete for two spots, but there's a twist!
Leahy has an edge due to his success in the bullpen last season, and the team wants to keep him in that role. The Cardinals might not commit to a strict six-man rotation, but they saw benefits from deploying Steven Matz early last year, so a similar strategy could be on the cards.
Bullpen (7)
- Scott Blewett
- Justin Bruihl
- Riley O'Brien
- Matt Pushard
- JoJo Romero
- Ryne Stanek
- Matt Svanson
O'Brien, Romero, Stanek, and Svanson are locked in for the highest-leverage bullpen positions. Svanson's ability to handle multi-inning assignments last season puts him in line to fill Leahy's shoes in the rotation.
Pushard, a Rule 5 draft pick, is an intriguing wildcard. The Cardinals took a chance on him, and they've historically kept Rule 5 pitchers, even when their roles were uncertain. Bruihl, also claimed off waivers, has an edge over other contenders due to his left-handedness and minor league options.
Blewett, with his veteran experience, could provide stability, especially if he can emerge as a valuable asset later in the season.
Catchers (3)
- Jimmy Crooks
- Iván Herrera
- Pedro Pagés
Manager Oli Marmol has acknowledged that fully assessing Herrera's catching abilities during spring training might be challenging. This creates a risk, especially if the Cardinals decide to carry only two catchers, which they've done in the past.
Crooks gets the nod over Pozo due to pitching coaches' confidence in his game planning and his left-handed bat, which offers a different dynamic.
Infielders (6)
- Alec Burleson
- Brendan Donovan
- Nolan Gorman
- Thomas Saggese
- JJ Wetherholt
- Masyn Winn
The Cardinals advertised an opportunity for Jordan Walker to make the Opening Day roster last year, but this time, it's JJ Wetherholt who's in the spotlight. With Donovan still on the team, Wetherholt is likely to play third base, and Gorman will be the designated hitter.
The toughest decision is between Saggese and José Fermín for the last bench spot. Fermín is out of options, but the Cardinals have kept him off waivers so far. With Donovan taking up some at-bats, Saggese might be sent to Memphis for regular playing time.
Outfielders (4)
- Nathan Church
- Victor Scott II
- Nelson Velázquez
- Jordan Walker
Injured List: Lars Nootbaar
Velázquez, as a non-roster invitee, is the logical choice for a right-handed outfield bat. His ability to play center field is a bonus, but Church will be the primary backup. The fourth outfielder spot could be flexible, with Fermín and Saggese offering right-handed options in both the outfield and infield.
Scott and Walker are the starters in center and right field, and they'll need to perform to secure their spots.
Nootbaar's double heel surgery has no clear return date, so he's likely to start the season on the injured list.
And there you have it! This is just a glimpse into the Cardinals' potential Opening Day roster. But here's where it gets controversial... What if trades happen? Who would you like to see make the cut? And this is the part most people miss... The Cardinals have a history of surprises, so stay tuned for any last-minute twists!
What are your thoughts on this projected roster? Do you agree with these predictions? Feel free to share your insights and opinions in the comments below! Let's discuss and debate!
