The St. Louis Cardinals are in the final stages of shaping their Opening Day roster, with some intriguing decisions ahead. As the team narrows down its options, several players are on the cusp of making a splash in the majors this season.
Thomas Saggese and Nathan Church are both vying for a spot, but one might find themselves starting the year in Memphis. However, don’t be surprised if they receive an early call-up.
The same situation applies to Gordon Graceffo and Chris Roycroft, with one likely to secure the final bullpen slot while the other begins in Triple-A. Richard Fitts is also poised for a spot in the rotation if needed.
Here are five Cardinals who could make an early impact in St. Louis:
Hunter Dobbins
Acquired from the Red Sox, Hunter Dobbins is recovering from an injury but has been active in camp. Last season, he posted a solid 4.13 ERA and 3.87 FIP over 13 games. At 26, Dobbins could be a key arm for the Cardinals, stepping in if the rotation faces injuries or struggles.
Jimmy Crooks
Catcher Jimmy Crooks got his first MLB experience last year. With Ivan Herrera back and Pedro Pages in the mix, Crooks will start in Memphis, sharing duties with Leonardo Bernal. If an injury occurs or Herrera shifts roles, Crooks is ready to step up, offering solid all-around catching skills.
Quinn Mathews
Quinn Mathews is a standout in Triple-A, boasting significant upside. Drafted in 2023, he made waves in 2024 with 202 strikeouts over 143.1 innings, earning Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Though not on the 40-man roster yet, Mathews is a potential early call-up if he excels in Memphis.
Bryan Torres
Versatile and speedy, Bryan Torres was added to the 40-man roster to avoid the Rule 5 draft. After a stellar 2025 with a .328/.441/.464 line, Torres offers defensive flexibility across the field. While the Cardinals' lineup is currently crowded, Torres is poised for a role if injuries arise.
Nick Raquet
With JoJo Romero and Justin Bruihl as the primary left-handed bullpen options, Nick Raquet is ready for a call-up as needed. If the Cardinals face left-handed-heavy teams or need a fresh arm, Raquet could be the answer, especially during their busy stretch from late April to early May.
As the Cardinals finalize their roster, these players are on the radar, ready to contribute when opportunity knocks. Keep an eye on them as the season unfolds, as they each bring something unique to the table for St. Louis.