As baseball ramps up, fans can finally enjoy daily action even if the fields up north are still thawing. While the World Baseball Classic temporarily fills the void, nothing compares to seeing the Cardinals and their iconic uniforms back in action.
Spring training has already been full of position battles, particularly with the WBC interrupting camp. The Cardinals gained clarity on their infield alignment after trading Brendan Donovan, opening the door for JJ Wetherholt to debut in St. Louis. Wetherholt is expected to settle at second base, leaving third base wide open, while Alec Burleson transitions from the outfield to handle first base duties. The big question remains: do the Cardinals’ corner infielders have enough power to drive the offense?
Last week, catching was a hot topic, especially after Ivan Herrera was cleared to play. Herrera’s ability to catch and DH part-time adds valuable power to the lineup, something the Cardinals otherwise lack. This brings the focus to the corners, traditionally power positions where fielding is secondary. Last season, the team had little of either, with Willson Contreras leading the team with 20 home runs and Nolan Arenado contributing 12. Both have been traded, but Burleson, long considered the first baseman of the future, now fills that role out of necessity.
Burleson is a proven major league contributor. ZiPS projects a slight regression after his .290 average and .801 OPS last season, but still expects him to hit around 20 homers. Defensively, moving him to first base should improve his metrics, making him a potential 2.5–3.0 fWAR player and one of the top-15 first basemen in the league.
Third base is less certain. The Cardinals ranked 25th at the hot corner last year. ZiPS predicts a modest 1.5 fWAR for Nolan Gorman, placing him 32nd among third basemen. However, Plaza is optimistic that Gorman, returning full-time to his natural position, could exceed expectations. His previous seasons show promising power numbers and improved plate discipline, suggesting he could be a key contributor if given regular reps. By the end of 2026, arbitration eligibility could make him a candidate for extension talks if he hits near 30 home runs and maintains solid defense.
While Burleson’s spot at first is largely secure, third base could see a rotation of players including Wetherholt, Jose Fermin, Thomas Saggese, and Ramon Urias. Versatility will be important, but Plaza hopes for a consistent starter at third, ideally Gorman, with occasional DH days for rest. Saggese may find opportunities in right field, filling gaps left by offseason departures.
Ultimately, the corner infield remains the most unpredictable part of the Cardinals’ roster. Burleson could continue developing, but may be nearing his ceiling, while Gorman’s full-time role will clarify his future. Beyond them, the team may see others competing for opportunities if injuries or performance issues arise.
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