As the St. Louis Cardinals prepare for the 2026 Major League Baseball season, few areas on the roster feel as unsettled as the outfield picture. While some spots appear secure, there is still a sense of uncertainty surrounding how the group will ultimately take shape by the time Opening Day arrives. Compared to other position groups that seem relatively defined, the outfield stands out as the one with the most unanswered questions.
Two names, however, can essentially be penciled into the lineup if health cooperates. Victor Scott II is widely expected to claim one of the starting roles. The young outfielder has impressed with his athleticism, defensive range, and developing offensive game, and the organization clearly sees him as part of its long term plans. Alongside him, Jordan Walker is also projected to open the season in the starting nine.
Walker’s immense upside and continued growth make him a foundational piece of the Cardinals’ lineup. Assuming neither player suffers a setback during spring preparations, both Scott and Walker should be featured prominently when the regular season begins.
The real intrigue centers on the final outfield spot. That third position remains very much unsettled, and multiple factors are contributing to the ambiguity. Chief among them is the health status of Lars Nootbaar.
After undergoing double heel surgery, Nootbaar’s availability for the start of the season remains unclear. Recovering from procedures on both heels is no small task, especially for a player whose game depends on mobility, quick bursts, and defensive range. Until there is a firm update on his readiness, the Cardinals must plan for several possible scenarios.
If Nootbaar is not fully ready to go, the competition for that final starting role becomes even more intense. One candidate who has generated buzz is Nathan Church. There is a strong argument to be made that Church has done enough to warrant a place on the Opening Day roster.
Whether it is his performance in camp, his versatility, or his overall skill set, he appears to be a legitimate option the team must consider. For a club that may be leaning into youth and upside, giving Church an opportunity early in the season could align with broader organizational goals.
Still, Church is not the only name in the mix. The Cardinals’ depth chart offers other alternatives, and the front office will need to weigh immediate production against long term development. It is in this context that Nelson Velázquez has entered the conversation. According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Velázquez represents something of a “wild card” in the race to secure a roster spot. That label feels appropriate given the unpredictability surrounding his role.
Velázquez brings a power oriented profile to the table, something that could be appealing for a lineup seeking additional thump. At times, he has flashed the ability to change a game with one swing of the bat. However, consistency has often been the key question in evaluating his overall value.
If he can demonstrate improved plate discipline and steady defensive contributions, he could force the Cardinals’ hand and carve out a role for himself. On the other hand, if those improvements do not materialize, the team may decide that other options provide a more balanced package.
The Cardinals’ decision making process will likely hinge on several interconnected factors. Health updates on Nootbaar will be paramount. If he proves ready to resume full baseball activities without limitation, he would naturally slot back into a significant role, potentially reducing the available opportunities for others. Conversely, any lingering concerns could open the door for Church, Velázquez, or another contender to seize the moment.
Performance during spring competition will also play a crucial role. While past track record matters, strong showings in camp can shift perceptions and build momentum. The coaching staff and front office will be evaluating not only traditional statistics but also underlying indicators such as approach at the plate, defensive reliability, and overall fit within the team’s evolving identity.
Ultimately, the outfield battle underscores a broader theme for St. Louis heading into 2026: transition and opportunity.
With younger players stepping into larger roles and established contributors working their way back from injury, there is both uncertainty and excitement surrounding the group. By the time Opening Day arrives, the Cardinals will have to make difficult choices, balancing immediate competitiveness with future growth.
For now, Scott and Walker appear locked in. Beyond them, however, the situation remains fluid. Whether it is Church solidifying his case, Velázquez emerging from “wild card” status, or Nootbaar returning to reclaim his spot, the coming weeks will be critical in determining how the Cardinals’ outfield alignment ultimately shakes out.
Who will make the club out of camp?
When assessing how the outfield picture could shake out, the current projection lists three names as near locks; center fielder Victor Scott II, right fielder Jordan Walker, and outfielder Nathan Church. That trio represents the most straightforward configuration at the moment, but there is still at least one intriguing variable who could force his way into the conversation.
That wildcard is Nelson Velázquez. His path to making the club is relatively simple in theory, though more complicated in practice. Velázquez’s calling card is power legitimate, game changing pop that few others in camp can match. If he can consistently display that thump, he has a real chance to carve out a role. The Cardinals’ roster does not feature many right handed hitters with his kind of home run potential, so the opportunity is there for him to separate himself.
However, it won’t be enough for Velázquez to merely flash power during Grapefruit League contests. His case will be evaluated more broadly. The coaching staff and front office will look at the total package; quality of at bats, defensive reliability, preparation, and how well he fits into the roster’s construction. Spring training performances are judged not only by box scores, but also by daily work, consistency, and adaptability.
There are also two significant roster related factors working against him. The first is his contractual status. Velázquez is in camp on a minor league deal, which means he does not currently occupy a spot on the 40 man roster. That becomes especially relevant because the Cardinals already need to clear space on that 40 man roster to accommodate another player, Wetherholt.
Creating that opening may require a corresponding move, such as returning Pushard, but that maneuverability is limited. Adding Velázquez would require additional juggling, and front offices are often reluctant to make those moves unless the player forces their hand.
The second concern revolves around defensive versatility specifically in center field. If Church were not part of the mix, the Cardinals would lack an obvious backup option in center. That could leave them in a precarious position unless they are comfortable using Saggese there in a pinch.
Church’s value extends beyond his bat; he has drawn praise from coaches throughout camp for his defensive instincts, range, and overall reliability in the outfield. Among the candidates competing for a bench role, he is widely regarded as the strongest defensive outfielder.
Church also brings balance to the lineup as a left handed hitter. Depending on how the Cardinals decide to structure left field, his bat could complement players such as Saggese or Fermin. If the club prioritizes a left right balance in certain matchups, Church’s handedness becomes an asset. That versatility and defensive stability strengthen his case, especially if the Cardinals value flexibility in late game situations.
Despite those hurdles, Velázquez still presents a compelling argument. The Cardinals are not overflowing with right handed power threats. Velázquez has already demonstrated at the major league level that he can clear the fences in bunches. During the 2023 season, while splitting time between the Chicago Cubs and the Kansas City Royals, he launched 17 home runs. That kind of production, even in a part time capacity, is difficult to ignore.
Beyond his power, Velázquez offers defensive adaptability. He is capable of handling all three outfield positions, which enhances his potential value as a bench piece. Even if he is not viewed as a Gold Glove caliber defender at any one spot, the ability to move around the outfield provides insurance against injuries and late game substitutions. In a season where depth often determines success, that flexibility could matter.
The larger context involves Lars Nootbaar’s uncertain status. If Nootbaar is not ready to begin the season at full strength, the Cardinals will need a contingency plan. That scenario could open the door wider for Velázquez.
While others may bring steadier defense or better on base skills, Velázquez provides something distinct, instant offense. A single swing can alter a game’s outcome, and that dimension cannot be easily replicated elsewhere on the roster.
From a strategic standpoint, the Cardinals must decide what they value more in that final outfield or bench spot. Do they prioritize defensive assurance and handedness balance, as Church offers? Or do they lean into raw power and upside, which is Velázquez’s specialty? Each choice shapes the roster differently.
There is also a developmental component to consider. If younger players such as Scott and Walker are expected to shoulder significant everyday responsibilities, supplementing them with a veteran power bat could ease pressure. Conversely, the Cardinals may prefer a steadier presence who can back up center field reliably and execute situational baseball.
Ultimately, Velázquez’s case hinges on whether he can convincingly demonstrate that his power is not merely theoretical, but a dependable weapon. Home run potential is enticing, but consistency determines roster spots. If he can showcase disciplined at bats, make solid defensive reads, and continue driving the ball with authority throughout camp, he may compel the organization to make the necessary roster adjustments.
If Nootbaar’s availability remains in doubt, the calculus changes even further. In that scenario, Velázquez becomes more than a luxury; he becomes a plausible necessity. The Cardinals would need someone capable of providing right handed pop and covering multiple outfield roles, and he checks those boxes.
In the end, the decision will likely come down to fit. Velázquez offers a skill set that stands out legitimate slugging ability from the right side, proven by his 17 home run campaign in 2023.
He can slot into any outfield position and lengthen the lineup with power that few others in camp can match. If the Cardinals determine that their roster lacks that dimension, and if Nootbaar is sidelined, Velázquez may well emerge as the logical depth option.
The competition remains fluid, but one thing is clear, Velázquez brings a tool the Cardinals do not have in abundance. If he proves that his bat can be a consistent difference maker, the organization may find it difficult to leave him off the roster.
