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3 eventual contributors who won't make the St. Louis Cardinals' opening day roster

By J.T. Buchheit |
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These three players likely won't make the St. Louis Cardinals' opening day roster, but they should make significant contributions later in the season.

The St. Louis Cardinals have made a living by promoting lightly or moderately regarded minor league players and having them put on a show in the major leagues. Opposing teams mutter about "Cardinals Devil Magic," but Cardinals fans have come to expect minor league reinforcements to provide crucial support for the team.

In 2022, Brendan Donovan emerged from the woodwork of Triple-A Memphis and put on a hitting clinic throughout the season. Promoted early in the season, on April 25, Donovan replaced Lars Nootbaar and never returned to Memphis, slashing .281/.394/.379, finishing third in National League Rookie of the Year voting and winning the inaugural Gold Glove Award for utility players.

Nolan Gorman was a highly touted Cardinals prospect before last season, a former defender at the hot corner who transitioned to second base in deference to another Nolan. Gorman flashed his light-tower power but had issues against the high fastball and struggled defensively at the keystone.

Juan Yepez was another player who made his debut in 2022 and impressed for a few months before a forearm injury befell him on July 14. Through June 29, Yepez was hitting .284, although he tailed off before his injury.

While some players who don't start on the Opening Day roster have yet to debut in the major leagues, there are several players who are major league veterans but don't make the cut. These are three players who might not be on the team to start the season but should still have a positive impact on the Cardinals down the stretch.

Jordan Walker, OF

Of the three players on this list, outfielder and super prospect Jordan Walker is the most likely to make the Opening Day roster. The Cardinals have an incentive to promote Walker early in the season so he receives a full season's worth of service and the Cardinals gain an extra draft pick if Walker finishes in the top three in Rookie of the Year voting.

My gut tells me the Cardinals would rather give Walker some seasoning in Memphis, where he hasn't played yet, rather than throw him in the outfield mix right away. If Walker plays in the major leagues, he needs to play on a near-daily basis; the Cardinals can't let him wither away on the bench.

If an outfielder scuffles or gets hurt, though, Walker is likely to be the first player up unless the Cardinals are really into service time manipulation, which the draft pick incentive is attempting to curtail. I do think that the Cardinals realize they're decent contenders for a title with this offense, and waiting on Walker for service time purposes would probably hinder their chances of competing for a title.

I expect Walker to demolish Triple-A pitching the way he's done at every other level. and when the Cardinals need an outfielder, he should be an instant lineup jolt.

Packy Naughton, LHP

Packy Naughton has an outside chance to snag the last left-handed bullpen spot, but Zack Thompson and Genesis Cabrera are probably the favorites for the roles. Naughton emerged as a solid control and command artist for the Cardinals in 2022, and his 3.14 FIP, far lower than his 4.78 ERA, points to some bad luck in the results.

Naughton's lack of a blazing fastball limits his upside, but he still struck out 31 batters in 32 innings last season, mostly because of his deceptive changeup that batters chased out of the zone 50% of the time and a slider that had a 33.3% swing-and-miss rate.

Naughton has one minor league option remaining, and it is feasible that the Cardinals will exercise one of Thompson's two options instead and begin the season with Naughton, especially if the team is of the idea that Thompson should be stretched into a starter. They could also opt to roll with three southpaws and begin the season with Naughton as part of that trio.

Naughton isn't the most exciting pitcher, but he has a high floor given his ability to put the ball wherever he wants. I expect the Cardinals to call for his services soon, even if they roll with more established pitchers first.

Moises Gomez, OF

Lost in the hoopla surrounding Jordan Walker is another outfield prospect who could benefit the Cardinals in 2023. Moises Gomez shows intriguing power but needs to work on his plate discipline. He has opened eyes early in Spring Training, and while Walker will almost certainly be the one promoted to the major leagues first should an outfield spot become available, Gomez could be an option later on.

Gomez destroyed Double-A pitching last season, hitting .321 with 23 home runs, and he proved he was up to the task of Triple-A as well, smacking 16 more dingers and hitting .266. Of the three on this list, Gomez is the least likely to receive a promotion this year, but if he continues to hit well this spring, starts in Triple-A as expected, and mashes there, the Cardinals could call his name.

Unlike Walker, Gomez would be better in a bench role and occasional designated hitter if he makes it to the big leagues, but if he is forced into an everyday role, he might be able to hold his own. He doesn't have Walker's upside (very few players do), but a role where he provides occasional thump isn't out of the question.

A few years ago, the Cardinals' motto was "next man up," and that theme should continue to be integral to the team's success. Fans expect production out of their call-ups, and even if these three don't make the opening roster, they have a chance to make a splash this year.

Predicting which Cardinals' prospects debut in 2023. dark. Next

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