4 Cardinals who should have a larger role in 2025, 3 who should not

Thomas Saggese should take on a utility role for St. Louis

Like Baker earlier, the Cardinals could have really benefited from a guy like Saggese being on their bench this season, rather than Brandon Crawford. 2025 should be the year they let Saggese carve out a role in St. Louis.

For a club that started lefties Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, Alec Burleson, Nolan Gorman, and one of Victor Scott II or Michael Siani most of the year, having both Carpenter and Crawford off the bench made very little sense. Assuming most or all of those guys are major parts of the roster in 2025, the Cardinals need right-handed utility off of their bench, something that Saggese could do for them in a meaningful way.

I could easily see Saggese starting at second base against left-handed pitching while the Cardinals sit one of Nolan Gorman, Brendan Donovan, or Lars Nootbaar that day, which that alone would already benefit the club in a way that Crawford could not. But beyond that, Saggese would provide versatility for St. Louis in a number of ways.

Saggese can be the primary backup for Masyn Winn, and although his shortstop defense is not anything to write home about, Winn should play most days so having Saggese start there once a week or once every two weeks is very doable. Saggese can also find spot starts at third base and second base as well and could sub into games late as a right-handed bat or defensive substitute.

Saggese struggled offensively to begin 2024 but has been really good at the plate ever since July started. His power stroke has really shined as of late and he's already been a guy who hits the baseball a lot and with authority. If Saggese wants to be a part of this MLB roster in the near future, he'll need to be able to impact the game without an everyday role to start, and I think his versatility mixed with the damage he can do at the plate will earn him more and more opportunites as the season goes on.

No need to role with Jose Fermin in 2025 or bring in more "veteran leadership" behind Winn. Maximize this bench with Saggese and that will go a long way for this club.