Cardinals Catcher Battle Heats Up as Multiple Players Vie for Starting Job

With several talented catchers in the mix, the St. Louis Cardinals' starting catcher role is up for grabs this spring.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 8:47pm

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The St. Louis Cardinals have a crowded catching situation, with multiple players competing for the starting job this spring training. While Iván Herrera is expected to be the everyday designated hitter, the starting catcher role is wide open between Pedro Pagés, Yohel Pozo, Jimmy Crooks, and Leonardo Bernal. The Cardinals are loaded with catching talent, and the competition is heating up as the players battle it out for the starting spot.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' catching situation is an interesting storyline as the team rebuilds. With several talented prospects vying for the starting job, the competition could bring out the best in the players and help the team determine its long-term answer behind the plate.

The details

The Cardinals have five catchers on their 40-man roster, including Iván Herrera, Pedro Pagés, Yohel Pozo, Jimmy Crooks, and Leonardo Bernal. Herrera is expected to be the everyday designated hitter, leaving the starting catcher role up for grabs. Pagés has been the favorite, with the pitching staff favoring his defensive abilities, but his bat has lagged behind. Pozo had some offensive flashes last season and has looked good in the offseason, while prospects Crooks and Bernal are also pushing for a shot. The Cardinals also have a top catching prospect in Rainiel Rodríguez, who could factor into the team's future plans.

  • The Cardinals' spring training is underway in Jupiter, Florida.

The players

Iván Herrera

A top Cardinals prospect who is expected to be the team's everyday designated hitter.

Pedro Pagés

The current favorite for the starting catcher job, with the pitching staff favoring his defensive abilities.

Yohel Pozo

A Cardinals catcher who had some offensive flashes last season and has looked good in the offseason.

Jimmy Crooks

A Cardinals catching prospect who is pushing for a shot at the starting job.

Leonardo Bernal

Another Cardinals catching prospect who is competing for the starting catcher role.

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What they’re saying

“The Cardinals, organizationally, are stacked with catchers. They currently have five on the 40-man roster -- Herrera, Pedro Pagés, Yohel Pozo, Jimmy Crooks and Leonardo Bernal -- and that doesn't even count No. 37 overall prospect Rainiel Rodriguez, who could be starting for this team by 2028. But how will they be deployed?”

— Will Leitch, MLB.com Writer

“The pitching staff has always loved Pagés, but his bat lags well behind his glove and he's older than most of the roster; he looks like a better fit as a backup. Pozo lost weight in the offseason and had some offensive flashes last year, but he is actually the oldest position player on the roster, if you can believe that.”

— Will Leitch, MLB.com Writer

What’s next

The Cardinals will continue to evaluate their catching options throughout spring training, with the starting job still up for grabs. Dominant performances from the likes of Pozo, Crooks, or Bernal could shake up the competition.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' catching battle is a prime example of the team's rebuild, with multiple talented players vying for the starting job. The competition could bring out the best in the players and help the Cardinals determine their long-term answer behind the plate.