Cardinals’ Early Spring Training Lineups Offer Clues to 2026 Roster Plans
Spring training is officially underway in Jupiter, and while the games haven’t started yet, the St. Louis Cardinals may already be tipping their hand when it comes to how this 2026 roster could shape up. It’s early - yes, very early - but if you know where to look, the batting practice groups and defensive drills can offer more insight than you might think.
Let’s be clear: spring training numbers are notoriously unreliable predictors of regular season success. A hot March doesn’t guarantee anything in April. But that doesn’t mean we can’t start reading between the lines when it comes to how the Cardinals are organizing their early workouts - and what that might mean for who’s in line for key roles this season.
Batting Practice Groups Reveal Early Roster Tiers
One of the first things to catch attention this spring came from the batting practice schedule. The first wave of hitters to step into the cage often reflects the coaching staff’s early impressions of the roster hierarchy, and this year’s groupings offer some compelling hints.
The most clearly defined “core” group included Nolan Gorman, Alec Burleson, Masyn Winn, and Ivan Herrera. These are players the Cardinals appear to be building around in 2026.
Gorman and Burleson bring left-handed power, Winn is the dynamic young shortstop expected to take another leap, and Herrera is poised to take on a larger share of the catching duties. If you’re looking for the heart of the lineup and clubhouse leadership, this group is a strong bet.
Just behind them, another group of likely regulars took their swings: Jordan Walker, Victor Scott II, Jose Fermin, and Pedro Pages. Walker and Scott are two of the most exciting young outfielders in the organization, and Pages is carving out a role for himself behind the plate. Fermin could be one of the spring’s biggest risers - with playing time available across the infield, this could be his breakout year.
But the most intriguing group of the day? That would be the one featuring Thomas Saggese, Nathan Church, Cesar Prieto, Nelson Velazquez, and JJ Wetherholt. This is where things get interesting.
The Battle for Roster Spots Is Already Heating Up
This group is a mix of versatility, upside, and opportunity - and several of these players are firmly in the mix for Opening Day roles.
Thomas Saggese is shaping up to be a Swiss Army knife for the Cardinals in 2026. He’s capable of playing all over the infield and has even been discussed as an outfield option. His bat plays, and his flexibility could make him one of the most valuable pieces on the bench - or even a regular starter, depending on how the rest of camp shakes out.
Nathan Church made his MLB debut last season, and while his bat is still developing, it’s his glove that could punch his ticket onto the 26-man roster. Defense-first outfielders always have a place, especially if they can contribute in late-inning situations.
Cesar Prieto brings similar utility value, though his offensive ceiling isn’t quite as high as Saggese’s. Still, a left-handed bat who can move around the diamond is never a bad asset to have.
Nelson Velazquez, signed to a minor-league deal in late January, is a bit of a wild card. He’s got pop - 31 home runs in just under 200 big league games - and a career slugging percentage north of .430. If he catches fire this spring, he could force his way into the outfield mix.
And then there’s JJ Wetherholt, the club’s top prospect. He’s not just here for the experience - he’s here to compete.
Whether he breaks camp with the big league club or not, Wetherholt is clearly in the thick of the conversation. He’s a name to watch closely all spring.
Defensive Drills Hint at Infield Reshuffling
The Cardinals also gave fans a glimpse into their early defensive plans during Sunday’s structured ground ball rotations. With Brendan Donovan and Nolan Arenado no longer in the picture, the infield has two major vacancies at second and third base.
While Thomas Saggese is in the mix for one of those spots, the early alignment featured Nolan Gorman at third base and JJ Wetherholt at second. That’s notable. Gorman has primarily played second base in his young career, while Wetherholt, a natural middle infielder, is still finding his footing at the pro level.
It’s only day one, and both players will get reps at multiple positions throughout the spring. Wetherholt is expected to see time at shortstop as well. But this initial setup could be a strong indicator of how manager Oliver Marmol envisions his infield come Opening Day.
Early Days, Big Implications
We’re still in the early stages of camp, and plenty can - and will - change over the next few weeks. But if you’re looking for signs of what’s to come, the Cardinals’ early spring training structure is already offering some answers.
From the batting order in BP to who’s fielding grounders where, this team is beginning to take shape. And while it’s too soon to lock anything in, the competition is real - and the battles for roster spots and starting jobs are already underway.
Spring training might not count in the standings, but for players on the bubble and prospects on the rise, every rep matters. And for fans starved for baseball after a long offseason, every little detail is worth watching.