As spring training kicks off, the St. Louis Cardinals are entering the season with a full 40-man roster.
Chaim Bloom, the president of baseball operations, has been hard at work throughout the offseason, strategically utilizing waiver claims and Rule 5 draft picks to complete the roster. With spring training underway, the Cardinals have invited 27 non-roster players to join them in Jupiter, Florida.
While most will head back to the minors, a select few have the chance to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Let's dive into the intriguing mix of players vying for a spot, from those almost certain to make the cut to the underdogs hoping for a breakthrough.
The Shoo-In
INF JJ Wetherholt
Following the offseason trades of Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan, JJ Wetherholt is practically guaranteed a spot in the Opening Day lineup. His exact position on the infield might still be up in the air, but his presence in the starting lineup isn't.
Last season, Wetherholt showcased his potential across Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis, boasting an impressive .306/.421/.510 slash line, with 17 homers and 23 stolen bases over 109 games. He’s poised to make an impact right from the get-go.
The Battle Spots
The Cardinals have two key roster battles this spring: a right-handed bench player and added bullpen depth. Let’s break down the contenders for the bullpen.
LHP Pete Hansen
Pete Hansen is dealing with some shoulder soreness, but he's a player to watch once he returns to action. At 25, Hansen has been in the Cardinals' system since 2022.
He pitched 137.1 innings for Double-A Springfield last year, recording a 3.93 ERA and striking out 123 batters. His ability to pitch multiple innings from the left side is a valuable asset, especially given the Cardinals’ need for left-handed relievers.
LHP Zack Thompson
Zack Thompson is on the mend from a "cleanup procedure" on his throwing arm last August. Once waived by the Cardinals, he’s now back on a minor-league contract with an invite to camp. Despite the injury setbacks that have limited him to 118 major-league innings and sidelined him for all of 2025, Thompson could rejoin the 40-man roster if he proves ready to contribute early in the season.
LHP Jared Shuster
The Cardinals signed Jared Shuster to a minor-league deal just before Christmas. Drafted 25th overall by the Braves in 2020, Shuster has had a challenging stint with the White Sox.
Though he allowed 14 runs over 15.2 innings last year, his 2.94 FIP suggests potential for improvement. Shuster's knack for limiting walks and hard contact could make him a valuable middle-inning reliever if he impresses this spring.
LHP Quinn Mathews
Quinn Mathews, arguably the most MLB-ready prospect for the Cardinals, made 24 starts last year, pitching 99 innings. Despite a slight dip in performance with a 3.73 ERA and 6.7 K/9, his potential as a mid-rotation starter remains strong. With several pitchers competing for rotation spots, Mathews could be called up if injuries or performance issues arise.
OF Nelson Velázquez
Signed to a minor-league deal, Nelson Velázquez brings power potential to the table, having slugged 31 home runs in 615 plate appearances. While his on-base skills and defensive capabilities need work, his power is enticing for a team looking to boost its home run tally.
The Long Shots
OF Mike Antico
Mike Antico has become a fan favorite in camp, known for his engaging personality and experience. At 28, he’s spent five seasons in the minors, and with a career MiLB slash line of .262/.346/.427, he’s ready for a shot at the majors.
Antico’s speed is his standout trait, evidenced by his record-setting 52 stolen bases for Springfield in 2023. If Lars Nootbaar starts the season on the Injured List, Antico’s versatility and base-running prowess could earn him a spot on the roster.
As the Cardinals gear up for the season, these players will be ones to watch, each bringing unique skills and potential to the table. Whether they make the Opening Day roster or not, their performances this spring could shape the future of the team.