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’s a growing sense that the solution might already be in-house. Yes, free agents and trade targets are still on the radar-but don’t overlook the internal options getting a serious look this spring.
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’s not just traditional outfielders vying for that spot.
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’s being asked to take on.
Saggese in Center? Believe It.
That’s 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.
Now, let’s be clear: this isn’t just a tweak to his role. It’s a full-on experiment.
Saggese hasn’t 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.
The Cardinals aren’t just dipping a toe in the water here. They’re diving in.
From a developmental standpoint, it’s a fascinating pivot. Saggese has long been viewed as a bat-first player with average speed and a glove that’s serviceable but not standout.
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.
In fact, the team showed some hesitation to even play him at shortstop last season, a position he’s more familiar with.
So why the move to center? It’s all about maximizing roster flexibility-and giving Saggese a path to more playing time.
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.
Bat First, Glove in Progress
Saggese’s offensive potential is what keeps him in this conversation. He’s shown the ability to hit, and in a lineup that’s looking for right-handed pop, that matters.
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.
This isn’t just about filling a gap. It’s about long-term development.
The Cardinals are leaning into youth this season, prioritizing growth and internal options over splashy veteran additions. That doesn’t mean they won’t 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.
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.
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.