St. Louis Cardinals: Projecting the Opening Day Roster as Spring Training Nears

We’re officially in the home stretch before spring training kicks off, and for the St. Louis Cardinals, that means the roster puzzle is starting to come into focus.

While there’s still time for trades or surprises to shake things up, the current group heading to Jupiter offers a strong foundation for projecting the Opening Day roster. Health, of course, is the big caveat – but assuming no major setbacks, here’s how things are shaping up across the roster.

Starting Pitchers (6)

Richard Fitts, Kyle Leahy, Matthew Liberatore, Dustin May, Michael McGreevy, Andre Pallante
Injured List: Hunter Dobbins

The Cardinals’ rotation picture splits into two tiers. At the top, you’ve got Liberatore, May, and McGreevy – three arms with a leg up thanks to experience and the organization’s investment in their development. If they stay healthy, pencil them into the Opening Day rotation.

Then there’s the competition for the final spots. Leahy enters with an edge, largely due to his success out of the bullpen last season and the team’s interest in stretching him out further. He’s the kind of hybrid arm modern rotations love – flexible, effective, and already proven at the big-league level.

The Cardinals aren’t likely to commit to a strict six-man rotation, but they’ve shown a willingness to get creative. Think back to how they deployed Steven Matz early last season – not quite a traditional starter, but a valuable swingman who helped bridge gaps in the rotation. That model could return, especially early on, with someone like Pallante filling that role.

Fitts is in the mix, too, though he’s likely ticketed for Memphis if Dobbins – who’s still working back from a torn knee ligament – is ready sooner than expected. All three (Fitts, Pallante, Dobbins) have minor league options, giving the front office some flexibility.

Bullpen (7)

Scott Blewett, Justin Bruihl, Riley O’Brien, Matt Pushard, JoJo Romero, Ryne Stanek, Matt Svanson

The back end of the bullpen looks solidified with O’Brien, Romero, Stanek, and Svanson handling high-leverage duties. Svanson, in particular, seems poised to take on even more responsibility after proving he can handle multi-inning stints – a key asset in today’s game.

Pushard, a Rule 5 pick out of Miami, is more of a wild card. But history tells us the Cardinals tend to keep their Rule 5 arms around, even if their role isn’t fully defined yet. Unless he’s injured or returned to the Marlins, he’s likely to break camp with the big-league club.

Bruihl is another name to watch. As a lefty without minor league options, he either makes the roster or hits waivers.

That alone gives him a leg up over other lefty contenders like Nick Raquet and Jared Shuster. His presence could also allow Pallante to stay stretched out as a starter.

Blewett brings veteran experience and is a steadying option for the early part of the season. While he struggled during his most extended MLB stint last year, the Cardinals clearly see potential value in his arm. He’s on a minor league deal, so his spot isn’t guaranteed, but he’s in the mix.

Other names like Ryan Fernandez, Gordon Graceffo, Andre Granillo, and Chris Roycroft aren’t in this projection but are expected to see time in the majors at some point this season.

Catchers (3)

Jimmy Crooks, Iván Herrera, Pedro Pagés

Manager Oli Marmol has already acknowledged that spring training won’t offer a full evaluation window for Herrera’s work behind the plate. That uncertainty – combined with the Cardinals’ recent history – makes it likely they carry three catchers again.

Crooks gets the nod over Yohel Pozo thanks to his game-calling skills and the different look he provides as a left-handed hitter. That platoon advantage could earn him pinch-hit chances or even occasional DH opportunities, though those will be limited with Brendan Donovan still on the roster.

Infielders (6)

Alec Burleson, Brendan Donovan, Nolan Gorman, Thomas Saggese, JJ Wetherholt, Masyn Winn

The Cardinals have been pretty transparent about JJ Wetherholt’s potential to make the Opening Day roster – and they haven’t exactly downplayed expectations for their top prospect this winter. That’s usually a sign.

With Donovan still around, Wetherholt likely opens at third base, while Gorman shifts into more of a full-time DH role. But Donovan’s versatility (and potential trade candidacy) means we could see Wetherholt slide to second and Gorman to third depending on how things shake out. If Donovan’s moved, that alignment could become the norm.

Saggese edges out José Fermín for the final infield spot, even though Fermín is out of options. The Cardinals have managed to keep Fermín on the roster longer than expected, but Saggese’s name keeps popping up in conversations about third base depth – something Fermín hasn’t been part of. That gives Saggese the inside track, with the understanding that he could be optioned to Memphis if regular playing time isn’t available.

Outfielders (4)

Nathan Church, Victor Scott II, Nelson Velázquez, Jordan Walker
Injured List: Lars Nootbaar

With Lars Nootbaar recovering from double heel surgery and no clear return timeline, the outfield picture becomes a bit more fluid – but also more open for opportunity.

Scott and Walker are locked in as the starters in center and right field, respectively. The Cardinals are going to give both every chance to prove they can hold those spots down.

Velázquez, despite being a non-roster invitee, is the only right-handed outfield bat with a legitimate path to the roster. His ability to fill in at center in a pinch is a bonus, but his bat is the real draw.

Church profiles as the primary backup in center and gives the team a left-handed option off the bench. While the fourth outfielder role could be absorbed by a utility infielder like Fermín or Saggese, Church’s defense and speed make him a strong fit for the job.

Final Thoughts

There’s still plenty of time for things to shift before Opening Day – trades, injuries, breakout spring performances. But if the current group heads to Jupiter as expected, this is a roster that blends youth, flexibility, and a few key veterans in the right places.

The Cardinals have some tough decisions ahead, particularly around the margins, but the core is starting to take shape. And with top prospects pushing for playing time and a few key arms returning to health, this spring could be one of the more competitive and telling camps in recent memory.