Cardinals Slugger Pushing for 1st MLB Roster Spot Since 2024

Nelson Velázquez making a strong case to be on the Cardinals' Opening Day roster

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:57pm

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The St. Louis Cardinals have a question mark in left field heading into the 2026 season, and 27-year-old slugger Nelson Velázquez is making a strong case to be on the Opening Day roster with his impressive performance in Spring Training so far.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are looking to bolster their outfield with a right-handed power bat, and Velázquez's spring numbers and past production in the minors suggest he could be the answer they're seeking.

The details

Velázquez has played in 10 games this spring and is slashing .333/.438/.704 with three home runs, five RBIs, five walks, one double, and six runs scored. He's 9-for-27 overall and has struck out just twice. Velázquez played 53 games for the Kansas City Royals in 2023, blasting 17 home runs in just 162 at-bats, and hit eight more in 64 games in 2024 before not appearing in the majors since. The Cardinals have an open competition in left field, and Velázquez is making a strong case to earn a spot on the roster.

  • Velázquez has played in 10 games so far in Spring Training 2026.
  • In 2023, Velázquez played in 53 games for the Kansas City Royals.
  • In 2024, Velázquez hit 8 home runs in 64 games.

The players

Nelson Velázquez

A 27-year-old slugger who is making a strong case to earn a spot on the St. Louis Cardinals' Opening Day roster with his impressive performance in Spring Training.

Thomas Saggese

An option for the Cardinals to fill the left field hole on their roster.

Victor Scott II

The Cardinals' expected starting center fielder on Opening Day.

Jordan Walker

The Cardinals' likely starting right fielder on Opening Day, despite a tough spring offensively.

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What’s next

The Cardinals will need to finalize their roster ahead of Opening Day, and Velázquez's performance in the remaining spring games will be crucial in determining whether he earns a spot.

The takeaway

Nelson Velázquez is making a strong case to break camp with the St. Louis Cardinals and earn his first MLB roster spot since 2024, providing the team with a much-needed right-handed power bat in the outfield.