{"id":153894,"date":"2026-02-18T16:46:53","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T16:46:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=153894"},"modified":"2026-02-18T16:46:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T16:46:53","slug":"cardinals-veteran-eyed-for-bold-position-shift-in-spring-training-shakeup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=153894","title":{"rendered":"Cardinals Veteran Eyed for Bold Position Shift in Spring Training Shakeup"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

IMAGE: Imagn Images<\/div>\n

The Cardinals kicked off their first full-squad workouts today, and while the front office continues to explore ways to bolster the outfield with a right-handed bat, there\u2019s a growing sense that the solution might already be in-house. Yes, free agents and trade targets are still on the radar-but don\u2019t overlook the internal options getting a serious look this spring.<\/p>\n

Nelson Velasquez, a non-roster invitee with some big-league experience and a bat that packs a punch, is firmly in the conversation. But it\u2019s not just traditional outfielders vying for that spot.<\/p>\n

The Cardinals are expanding the pool, giving some of their right-handed infielders a shot to prove they can handle the grass too. Among them, Thomas Saggese is turning heads-not just for his bat, but for the surprising position he\u2019s being asked to take on.<\/p>\n

Saggese in Center? Believe It.<\/strong><\/p>\n

That\u2019s right-Thomas Saggese, traditionally an infielder, is expected to get reps in center field this spring. According to reports, the Cardinals plan to test him across the outfield-left, right, and yes, even center-as they search for the right mix of power, versatility, and athleticism.<\/p>\n

Now, let\u2019s be clear: this isn\u2019t just a tweak to his role. It\u2019s a full-on experiment.<\/p>\n

Saggese hasn\u2019t logged a single inning in the outfield across his four professional seasons. So moving him not just to the outfield, but to center field-the most demanding spot out there-is a bold move.<\/p>\n

The Cardinals aren\u2019t just dipping a toe in the water here. They\u2019re diving in.<\/p>\n

From a developmental standpoint, it\u2019s a fascinating pivot. Saggese has long been viewed as a bat-first player with average speed and a glove that\u2019s serviceable but not standout.<\/p>\n

Most scouting reports peg him as a 45-grade defender with a similar grade on his arm, and maybe 50-grade speed at best. In other words, not exactly the traditional center field profile.<\/p>\n

In fact, the team showed some hesitation to even play him at shortstop last season, a position he\u2019s more familiar with.<\/p>\n

So why the move to center? It\u2019s all about maximizing roster flexibility-and giving Saggese a path to more playing time.<\/p>\n

If he can prove even passable in center, that opens the door for him to slot into any outfield spot, making him a true utility option in 2026. And with his bat, that could be a game-changer.<\/p>\n

Bat First, Glove in Progress<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saggese\u2019s offensive potential is what keeps him in this conversation. He\u2019s shown the ability to hit, and in a lineup that\u2019s looking for right-handed pop, that matters.<\/p>\n

But the quickest way to get his name penciled into the lineup more often is to expand his defensive versatility. If he can handle center field-even in a part-time role-it gives manager Oli Marmol a lot more flexibility with matchups and late-game substitutions.<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t just about filling a gap. It\u2019s about long-term development.<\/p>\n

The Cardinals are leaning into youth this season, prioritizing growth and internal options over splashy veteran additions. That doesn\u2019t mean they won\u2019t still add a right-handed bat before Opening Day, but the emphasis is clearly on giving their young guys a shot to prove they belong.<\/p>\n

And Saggese, with his bat and now his glove being tested in new ways, is right at the center of that plan-literally and figuratively.<\/p>\n

If this experiment works, the Cardinals may not just find their extra right-handed outfielder-they might unlock a valuable utility piece who can help them in multiple ways all season long.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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