Cardinals Veteran Urias Could Earn Bigger Role in 2026

Utility infielder Ramon Urias signed a one-year deal with St. Louis, and an insider says he could start at third base on Opening Day.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 12:00am

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The St. Louis Cardinals signed veteran utility infielder Ramon Urias to a one-year, $2 million contract with a mutual option for 2027. While Urias was initially expected to be a backup and bat off the bench, a Cardinals insider suggests he could potentially earn the starting third base job, depending on how other players perform in spring training.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are in a rebuilding year in 2026, so they may be more open to giving opportunities to veteran players like Urias rather than prioritizing the development of younger prospects. Urias provides right-handed power that the Cardinals' lineup currently lacks.

The details

Urias hit .241/.292/.384 with 11 home runs and 44 RBIs in 2025 while splitting time between the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros. He is a veteran utility infielder who can play multiple positions. If Nolan Gorman, the Cardinals' top third base prospect, does not win the starting job, Urias could take over at the hot corner on Opening Day.

  • The Cardinals signed Urias to a one-year, $2 million contract over the weekend.

The players

Ramon Urias

A veteran utility infielder who signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Nolan Gorman

The Cardinals' top third base prospect who is expected to compete for the starting job in 2026.

Daniel Guerrero

A reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch who suggested Urias could start at third base on Opening Day.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think it's out of the question we see Urias at third base on Opening Day.”

— Daniel Guerrero, St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

What’s next

The Cardinals will evaluate Urias and Gorman's performances in spring training to determine the starting third base job for Opening Day.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' signing of veteran utility infielder Ramon Urias could pay dividends in 2026, as he may earn the starting third base job over top prospect Nolan Gorman depending on how spring training plays out. This reflects the team's willingness to give opportunities to experienced players during a rebuilding year.