Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Thomas Saggese (25) returns to the dugout against the New York Mets during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Cardinals' Left Field Decision Complicated By WBC

Originally posted on St. Louis Cardinals on SI
By Patrick McAvoy | Last updated Mar 14, 2026 10:33 AM ET

Who is going to be playing left field for the St. Louis Cardinals on Opening Day?

If Lars Nootbaar were fully ready to roll, it wouldn't be a question. Nootbaar is going to play a big role for the Cardinals, as he has over the last five seasons, but he had offseason surgery on both of his heels and is working his way back. Throughout camp so far, a few of the guys who have been options have been young utility man Thomas Saggese, Nelson Velázquez and José Fermín. Nathan Church is another guy who could be an option.

But, who will be the top option for St. Louis? There was a time when it seemed like it could be Saggese, but Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch suggested that Saggese's exit for the World Baseball Classic, and a lack of opportunities at a new position in front of the Cardinals brass, could lead to a stint in Triple-A to get caught up.

The Cardinals have a left field decision to make

Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

"In theory, that lack of time might factor in the club’s decision to bring Saggese with them when they break camp. If the coaching staff isn’t comfortable with him as an outfield option with such little exposure out there, perhaps that means he gets time at Triple-A for the sake of playing the outfield. If that happens, it’s not a calamity. It certainly won’t ruin a season that’s largely about evaluating all the club’s options anyway. Saggese shouldn’t regret his decision to play for Team Italy, but he might want to campaign for a few more at-bats."

If Saggese doesn't end up making the club out of camp, arguably the top option for St. Louis should be Velázquez. Church should be on the Opening Day roster as well.

Velázquez has big-time power from the right side of the plate, which the Cardinals need after trading Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado away. He has played in 11 games in Spring Training for St. Louis and is slashing .300/.417/.633 with three homers, five RBIs, six walks and six runs scored.

At some point in 2026, whether Opening Day or shortly afterward, the Cardinals should give Saggese a shot to show what he can do. If that time isn't Opening Day, then Velázquez should get a shot.

This article first appeared on St. Louis Cardinals on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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