As the 2026 MLB season kicks off, the St. Louis Cardinals are embracing a fresh start with one of the youngest rosters in the league.
While they're not expected to dominate the Central, they're focused on building a solid foundation for the future. The lineup is wide open, with position battles set to be a regular feature, except for the ever-reliable Masyn Winn at shortstop.
Let’s dive into three players who could shake things up and secure a starting role this season.
Jose Fermin
The outfield is where opportunity knocks loudest for the Cardinals. With Lars Nootbaar sidelined, Jordan Walker still finding his footing, and Victor Scott II adjusting to MLB pitching, the corner outfield spots are up for grabs.
Enter Jose Fermin, who has a real shot at becoming a staple in the lineup. In his limited 2025 appearances, Fermin impressed with a 125 OPS+ and a flawless fielding record across multiple positions.
While the sample size is small, it’s enough to make him a strong contender in a youthful roster.
Ramon Urias
With Nolan Arenado out, the Cardinals face uncertainty at third base. Nolan Gorman is slated to start, but his struggle to reach his potential leaves the door open.
Ramon Urias, a 2022 Gold Glove winner, brings both defensive prowess and consistency at the plate. Ranking high in outs above average and fielding run value, Urias also boasts a career 104 OPS+ compared to Gorman's 99.
His signing might just be the hint fans need to anticipate a change at the hot corner.
Nelson Velazquez
In search of a right-handed power bat, the Cardinals might have struck gold with Nelson Velazquez. Initially seen as a depth addition, Velazquez turned heads during Spring Training with a scorching .357/.449/.667 slash line, tallying eight doubles and four homers.
Despite not making the Opening Day roster, his performance suggests he won’t be in AAA Memphis for long. With the major league roster still developing, Velazquez could soon step in to bolster the outfield or DH, eager to prove his critics wrong.
As the season unfolds, keep an eye on these players who are poised to redefine the Cardinals' lineup. The journey might be challenging, but the potential for growth and surprise is undeniable.