Cardinals Eyeing Outfield Help, Nathan Church Ready to Contribute

Prospect Nathan Church eager to earn roster spot and provide boost to Cardinals' outfield

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The St. Louis Cardinals are continuing to monitor the outfield market as they look to augment their 2026 roster, according to president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. While the team has internal options like prospect Nathan Church, they are open to adding a right-handed hitting outfielder to complement their young group. Church, ranked the Cardinals' No. 18 prospect, is eager to earn a spot on the big league roster and contribute after making his MLB debut last season.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' outfield situation is in flux, with Lars Nootbaar's recovery from offseason surgery creating uncertainty around his availability for Opening Day. This presents an opportunity for a player like Nathan Church to step up and potentially earn a larger role, especially if the team decides to add an established veteran outfielder to the mix.

The details

The Cardinals are looking to add a right-handed hitting outfielder to their roster, with free agents like Mark Canha, Starling Marte, and former Cardinal Randal Grichuk remaining available. However, the team must weigh whether signing a veteran would limit playing time for up-and-coming prospects like Church, who is looking to build on his MLB debut last season. Church, a left-handed hitter, is known for his 70-grade speed and strong arm, and he has worked on simplifying his swing and approach this offseason to get the most out of his offensive tools.

  • The Cardinals' first full-squad workout is scheduled for Monday, February 20, 2026.
  • The Cardinals' 2026 season is set to begin on March 26, 2026.

The players

Chaim Bloom

The president of baseball operations for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Nathan Church

A left-handed hitting outfielder who is ranked as the Cardinals' No. 18 prospect and made his MLB debut with the team last season.

Lars Nootbaar

A Cardinals outfielder who is currently rehabbing from offseason surgery on both heels and may not be ready for the start of the 2026 season.

Oliver Marmol

The manager of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Victor Scott II

The Cardinals' starting center fielder, who expressed confidence in Nathan Church's ability to break through in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think it's a need, but it is something we would like to do. Definitely want it to be the right fit. We do have some guys in camp that we've talked about that could get some opportunity out there, just kind of bouncing around the field. … But we're continuing to look to add to that mix.”

— Chaim Bloom, President of Baseball Operations, St. Louis Cardinals (mlb.com)

“This is where it's really helpful for us to have gotten Church's feet wet last year. The guy can play any outfield position, and we think there's more in the bat than what he showed at the big league level last year.”

— Chaim Bloom, President of Baseball Operations, St. Louis Cardinals (mlb.com)

“Towards the end of the year, I just started doing too much. Just trying to simplify and be the player I am.”

— Nathan Church, Cardinals Outfield Prospect (mlb.com)

“We covered him yesterday with some of our directors and Minor League staff that were around him a little bit more, and they all describe him as an ultra competitor and a guy that helps you win.”

— Oliver Marmol, Manager, St. Louis Cardinals (mlb.com)

“Definitely Churchy. … To see his growth and his development and the conversations that we've had, he's ready for anything.”

— Victor Scott II (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Cardinals will continue to monitor the outfield market and evaluate their internal options, including Nathan Church, as they finalize their roster for the 2026 season. The team's decision on whether to add an established veteran outfielder could have a significant impact on Church's playing time and opportunity to contribute at the major league level.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' outfield situation is in flux, but the team is confident in the potential of prospect Nathan Church to step up and contribute if given the chance. Church's strong work ethic and competitive drive have impressed the organization, and he could be poised for a breakout season if he can build on his MLB debut and capitalize on any opportunities that arise due to the uncertainty surrounding Lars Nootbaar's recovery.