Catchers
Carlos Linarez
Andy Yerzy
Graysen Tarlow
Usually the Cardinals bring a ton of NRI catchers, but with 5 already on the 40-man it’s not surprising to see them go light. There isn’t really a notable snub here, so I’ll go with Rainiel Rodriguez as my pick, mostly just because of his prospect status. Chase Adkison also had an argument if the Cardinals brought one more.
Infielders
Blaze Jordan
Brody Moore
JJ Wetherholt
Jeremy Rivas
Ramon Mendoza
The Cardinals bring a few backup infielder types but most notably, top prospect JJ Wetherholt. JJ is expected to be given an opportunity to make the opening day roster at 2B or 3B. Blaze Jordan also has a chance to play his way onto the roster, as the 40-man doesn’t have a true backup 1B. Noah Mendlinger is the most surprising snub, especially given his utility ability. Jon Jon Gazdar and Dakota Harris are other honorable mentions.
Outfielders
Matt Koperniak
Mike Antico
Chase Davis
Nelson Velasquez
Nelson Velasquez is a new addition that gives the cardinals another potential impact bench bat, if he were to make the team. Koperniak had a great spring last season and gets another chance here. Zach Levenson is the big snub for me, he’s someone I really wanted to see in Jupiter. Miguel Ugueto is another notable name, but an unsurprising omission following his injury last season.
Starting Pitchers
Quinn Mathews
Pete Hansen
Ixan Henderson
Bruce Zimmerman
Sem Robberse
Hancel Rincon
Max Rajcic
Quinn Mathews is the big name here who could work his way into the rotation at some point this season. Bruce Zimmerman, Sem Robberse, and Hancel Rincon are others that feel close to the major leagues. The most notable omission is top pitching prospect Liam Doyle, but we had prior warning that he would not be brought to Spring Training. Chen-Wei Lin is probably the most surprising name left off the roster. Ian Bedell and Alex Cornwell are AAA guys that could’ve gotten a shot as well.
Relief Pitchers
Scott Blewett
Jared Shuster
Austin Love
Skylar Hales
Luis Gastelum
Packy Naughton
Gerson Moreno
Zack Thompson
Blewett and Shuster are new signings brought in to compete for a spot. Love, Hales, and Moreno are all a bit of prospects but are close to the majors. Luis Gastelum is the one here who is a true prospect further down in the system. Packy Naughton and Zack Thompson are oft-injured former major-leaguers who could easily play their way back into the conversation but are truly wildcards. Michael Watson and Mason Burns are my biggest snubs at a position where it’s harder to have snubs.
Overall Thoughts
An unsurprising list of NRI’s all things considered. There are some borderline guys that did or didn’t get in, but everyone in contention for an opening day roster spot is here. I think the NRIs, with a few notable exceptions, are gonna have more limited playing time than in previous years, as there is a lot of prospects and roster battles occurring on the 40-man.
