Get ready for an exciting 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.
With the latest insights, we can now make educated guesses about the Cardinals' lineup for the big day. However, it's important to note that trades can still shake things up, and the Cardinals have some tough choices to make.
Starting Pitchers: A Balancing Act
Richard Fitts, Kyle Leahy, Matthew Liberatore, Dustin May, Michael McGreevy, and Andre Pallante are the projected starters. However, there's a twist! Liberatore, May, and McGreevy have an edge due to their incumbency, but Leahy's success in the bullpen last season might give him an advantage over the other two. The Cardinals might opt for a six-man rotation, especially after the success they had with Steven Matz last year. But here's where it gets controversial: will they commit to a firm rotation, or will they mix things up with a swingman or sixth starter early on?
Bullpen Battles: Unlocking the Unknown
Scott Blewett, Justin Bruihl, Riley O'Brien, Matt Pushard, JoJo Romero, Ryne Stanek, and Matt Svanson are the projected bullpen crew. O'Brien, Romero, Stanek, and Svanson have strong positions, with Svanson's multi-inning success last season securing his spot. Pushard, a Rule 5 draft pick, is an intriguing wildcard, and the Cardinals' history of keeping Rule 5 pitchers suggests he might just make the cut. Bruihl, claimed off waivers, has an edge over other contenders due to his left-handedness and the team's preference for a second lefty. Blewett, with his veteran experience, could be a stabilizing force, but his spot is not guaranteed.
Catchers: A Tricky Assessment
Jimmy Crooks, Iván Herrera, and Pedro Pagés are the catchers on the roster. Manager Oli Marmol has conceded that fully evaluating Herrera's skills behind the plate during spring training might be a challenge. This creates a risk, especially if the Cardinals decide to carry only two catchers. Crooks gets the nod due to his left-handed bat and the pitching coaches' confidence in his game planning.
Infielders: A Prospect's Path
Alec Burleson, Brendan Donovan, Nolan Gorman, Thomas Saggese, JJ Wetherholt, and Masyn Winn are the projected infielders. The Cardinals have high expectations for their top prospect, JJ Wetherholt, and with Donovan still on the team, Wetherholt is likely to play third base, while Gorman takes on a DH role. The toughest decision is between Saggese and José Fermín for the last bench spot. Fermín, out of options, might be waived, but Donovan's presence limits at-bats for either player. Saggese, mentioned as a potential third baseman, keeps his spot for now.
Outfielders: Right-Handed Options
Nathan Church, Victor Scott II, Nelson Velázquez, and Jordan Walker are the projected outfielders. Josh Baez's absence from Triple-A and the lack of veteran signings make Velázquez the logical right-handed outfield choice. His ability to play center field is a bonus. The fourth outfielder spot could be flexible, with Fermín and Saggese providing right-handed options in both the outfield and infield. Scott and Walker are the starters in center and right field, respectively, and they'll need to perform to secure their spots.
Injury Concerns: A Clouded Outlook
Hunter Dobbins is recovering from a torn knee ligament, and his status for spring training games is uncertain. Lars Nootbaar, who underwent double heel surgery, is also expected to start the season on the injured list. These injuries add an element of unpredictability to the Cardinals' roster.
As we count down the days to Opening Day, the Cardinals' roster decisions will be closely watched. Will they stick to their projected lineup, or will trades and injuries force their hand? Stay tuned, and don't forget to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments! The baseball community is eager to hear your insights.
