Saggese setting himself up to be jack of all trades for Cards

Utility man plays left field for first time since Little League

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:52pm

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Thomas Saggese, a 23-year-old utility player for the St. Louis Cardinals, is hoping to become the team's latest versatile player who can play multiple positions. Saggese made his first start in left field during a spring training game against the Astros, his first time playing the outfield since Little League. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol believes Saggese has the right mentality to handle a super-utility role, and the team plans to give him time in both left and center field this spring.

Why it matters

The Cardinals have had success in recent years with versatile players like Tommy Edman, Brendan Donovan, and Alec Burleson, who have been able to play multiple positions and give Marmol flexibility with his lineups. Saggese is hoping to follow in their footsteps and become the latest Swiss Army Knife in the Cardinals' arsenal.

The details

Saggese played 18 games between second base, shortstop, and third base during his September callup in 2024, then appeared in 82 games last season between the same three positions. The Cardinals' plan is to give him time in both left and center field this spring, though his time will be limited due to his upcoming participation in the World Baseball Classic with Team Italy.

  • Saggese made his first start in left field during a spring training game against the Astros on Thursday, February 23, 2026.
  • Saggese is scheduled to start in center field on Saturday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Thomas Saggese

A 23-year-old utility player for the St. Louis Cardinals who is hoping to become the team's latest versatile player who can play multiple positions.

Oliver Marmol

The manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, who believes Saggese has the right mentality to handle a super-utility role.

Tommy Edman

A former Cardinals player who held a similar super-utility role during Marmol's first two seasons as manager before being traded to the Dodgers in 2024.

Brendan Donovan

A valuable and versatile piece for the Cardinals during each of Marmol's first four seasons as manager, winning the first National League Gold Glove awarded to a utility player in 2022.

Alec Burleson

A Cardinals player who has seen time at first base and both corner outfield spots during his first three-plus years in St. Louis, winning the NL Silver Slugger as a utility player in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I think it will be very good for me -- and hopefully the team -- to just be able to move me wherever and get in games like that. I got in a lot of games last year just because I could play around the infield, so to now be able to play in the outfield, if I can get plugged in anywhere and hopefully be above average, I feel like that's huge. Every team needs a guy like that.”

— Thomas Saggese

“Some people take to it quickly, some don't; that's why you have to at some point just fire him out there and see what it looks like. His mentality is not one where it's hesitant or timid, like, 'Man, I'm not sure if I'm ready for it yet' or 'I hope this goes well.' A couple days into practicing, he was like, 'Just put me out there and let's start the process and we'll learn as we go,' which is what you want as someone that's going to be in his position and have versatility in kind of that super-utility type of role.”

— Oliver Marmol, Manager, St. Louis Cardinals

“Maybe BP will simulate it a little bit, but nothing will be the real thing. You never know until you go try it in a game. I'm all for it, because I feel like the more reps I get out there in a game, the more comfortable I'll be.”

— Thomas Saggese

What’s next

Saggese is scheduled to start in center field for the Cardinals on Saturday, February 25, 2026, as the team continues to evaluate his versatility in the outfield.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' willingness to give Saggese opportunities to play multiple positions, including the outfield, highlights the team's emphasis on versatility and their belief that Saggese has the right mentality to thrive in a super-utility role. If Saggese can successfully make the transition to the outfield, it could make him an even more valuable asset for the Cardinals as they look to build a well-rounded and flexible roster.