5 St. Louis Cardinals non-roster invitees facing a critical Spring Training

2023 could be a make-or-break Spring Training for these five St. Louis Cardinals non-roster invitees.

The St. Louis Cardinals have unveiled their list of non-roster invitees to Spring Training for the 2023 season. For these five players on that list, this spring could be the one that decides their future with the franchise.

Tommy Parsons, RHP

Tommy Parsons looked to be on his last legs at the start of 2022, with an 8.18 ERA out of the Triple-A bullpen in April. However, Parsons was able to turn his season around, finishing the season with a 4.31 ERA and moving back to his familiar spot in the rotation in June.

Parsons was an undrafted free agent out of Adrian College in 2018, and time isn't on the 27-year-old's side for him to carve out a meaningful major league career. A strong spring could vault Parsons to the last big-league bullpen spot, but he's more likely to start the year at Triple-A again and receive a promotion later in the season.

The Cardinals' pitching philosophy under Mike Maddux was to pitch to contact. Parsons doesn't blow hitters away with velocity, so he seemed to fit the bill. However. with new pitching coach Dusty Blake taking the reins, it's not clear whether Parsons' approach will mesh with that of the Cardinals.

Kramer Robertson, IF

Kramer Robertson undoubtedly hopes his career will amount to more than a meme-worthy facial expression after he made a throwing miscue last season. The Cardinals didn't seem to have much faith in that, designating Robertson for assignment on June 3 after he made a few brief appearances with the team. After neither the Atlanta Braves nor the New York Mets showed much inclination to hold on to Robertson, the Cardinals picked him back up on Aug. 5.

Robertson has a strong plate approach and draws a lot of walks, and he pairs it with strong defense. At 28 years old, Robertson is running out of time to have an impactful career, and while the Cardinals' infield doesn't have many question marks, if Paul DeJong falls flat again or injuries strike the infield, Robertson could be called up if he shows that he deserves a spot.

Luken Baker, 1B

A power hitter whom the Cardinals took in the second round of the 2018 draft, Luken Baker has yet to show that he can amount to more than organizational depth. 2022 was his first full season at Triple-A, and while he swatted 21 home runs, he also hit only .228 with an OPS of .683. More worryingly, he struck out in 27.8% of his at-bats.

Paul Goldschmidt has a stranglehold on the Cardinals' first base job, and Juan Yepez will likely earn some starts as well, but if Baker can prove he is more than a one-tool player, he might earn a smattering of playing time. If not, the Cardinals will probably cut bait with the former prospect.

Oscar Mercado, OF

The Cardinals' outfield is far from a sure thing, as Tyler O'Neill and Dylan Carlson need to rebound after down years. Oscar Mercado, a player the Cardinals selected in the second round in 2013, could be a dark horse to earn some important at-bats down the stretch.

Mercado had a strong 2019 season with the Cleveland Indians after the Cardinals dealt him for Conner Capel and Jhon Torres, but he hasn't been able to replicate that success. He hit just .128 in 2020, and after he endured two more subpar seasons, his career could be at a crossroads.

The Cardinals signed Mercado to a minor league contract in November, and if they can unlock what made him successful in 2019, they might have a steal on their hands.

It's unlikely that any of these players make the roster out of Spring Training, but if they show signs of life, the Cardinals could take a serious look at them later in the season. If they fail to impress, these five players could be at the end of the road.