As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the St. Louis Cardinals are entering a period of rebuilding, creating opportunities for players to step up and secure starting roles. With Opening Day roster decisions finalized, the team is widely expected to finish near the bottom of the NL Central. However, rather than focusing on immediate success, the Cardinals are prioritizing development and evaluating their young talent.
This season, no position—aside from Gold Glove shortstop Masyn Winn—is guaranteed long-term stability. The roster is filled with youthful players, and competition for starting roles is expected to be intense throughout the year. Frequent changes to the lineup and 40-man roster are likely, as the organization looks for players who can prove they belong as everyday contributors.
Among those with strong chances to emerge as starters are Jose Fermin, Ramon Urias, and Nelson Velazquez.
Jose Fermin could benefit from the uncertainty in the outfield. With Lars Nootbaar sidelined for an extended period, Jordan Walker still trying to establish consistency, and Victor Scott II continuing to adjust to major league pitching, there is plenty of room for someone to step in. While Scott II is expected to handle center field, the corner outfield positions remain open for competition.
The Cardinals have even experimented with players like Thomas Saggese in the outfield during spring training, highlighting their lack of depth. Fermin, however, has shown promise in limited opportunities. In just 60 at-bats last season, he posted a 125 OPS+ along with six extra-base hits. Defensively, he was reliable, maintaining a perfect fielding percentage across multiple positions. Though his sample size is small, his versatility and production could earn him consistent playing time.
Ramon Urias is another player who could claim a starting role, particularly at third base. With longtime star Nolan Arenado no longer in the picture, the Cardinals are searching for a dependable replacement. While Nolan Gorman is expected to begin the season at third, his inconsistency at the major league level raises concerns.
Urias, a Gold Glove winner in 2022, offers strong defensive ability and reliability. He ranks highly in advanced defensive metrics, including outs above average and fielding run value. Offensively, he also provides stability, with a career OPS+ of 104 compared to Gorman’s 99. Given his experience and balanced skill set, Urias may quickly emerge as the preferred option at third base.
Nelson Velazquez is another intriguing candidate, particularly as a right-handed power bat. The Cardinals were seeking additional power from the right side during the offseason and added Velazquez as a depth piece. However, his performance during spring training turned heads.
In 49 at-bats, Velazquez recorded an impressive .357/.449/.667 slash line, along with eight doubles, four home runs, and 10 RBIs. Despite his strong showing, he did not make the Opening Day roster and was instead assigned to Triple-A Memphis, where he will receive regular playing time.
Given the current roster’s inconsistency, Velazquez is likely to earn a call-up during the season. If he continues to perform, he could take over a corner outfield or designated hitter role.
Overall, the Cardinals’ rebuilding phase creates a wide-open environment where players like Fermin, Urias, and Velazquez have real opportunities to establish themselves as key contributors for the future.
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