The St. Louis Cardinals threw a curveball before Opening Day, sending outfielder Nelson Velazquez to Triple-A Memphis.
Velazquez had been the talk of spring training, batting a sizzling .357 with four home runs, and many fans thought he had earned the starting left field spot. However, the Cardinals opted for Nathan Church, signaling their belief in his potential to secure a regular outfield position.
Church made waves across three minor league levels in 2025, boasting a .329 average with a .911 OPS over 384 plate appearances, which earned him a brief stint in St. Louis. Though he struggled with a .179 average and .504 OPS in 65 big league plate appearances, the Cardinals see untapped potential in his game.
On Opening Day, Church showcased his defensive prowess with a stunning leaping catch at the wall, robbing a home run. Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom expressed confidence in Church’s future, stating, "We think there's more in the bat than what he showed at the big league level last year."
The decision to choose Church over Velazquez underscores Bloom’s belief in the 25-year-old’s abilities. Church, who worked closely with the minor league staff during spring training, was described by manager Oli Marmol as "ultra competitive and a guy that helps you win." Center fielder Victor Scott II added that Church’s growth has made him "ready for anything."
With Lars Nootbaar sidelined for at least two months, Church has a golden opportunity to cement his place in the majors. He made a strong case in the Cardinals' opener, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs alongside his defensive heroics.
However, his time to shine might be limited. Nootbaar’s return could reclaim the spot, and with Joshua Baez pushing for a major league debut, along with Thomas Saggese and Jose Fermin in the mix, Church faces stiff competition.
Previously a fringe prospect, Church won’t have the luxury of extended patience that players like Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman received. The Cardinals have other options and could easily send him back to Memphis or even designate him for assignment, potentially leaving him to navigate the minors for several more seasons.
Yet, the Cardinals’ choice to prioritize Church over Velazquez signals a shift in their rebuilding strategy. The focus is on providing opportunities for younger players like Church to develop at the highest level, rather than just giving time to former top prospects. This approach aims to uncover hidden talent and build a competitive team.
Now, it’s up to Church to validate the Cardinals’ faith and prove he belongs on the major league roster. The clock is ticking, but the team believes Church has what it takes to seize this opportunity before time runs out.