After missing the postseason for a second consecutive year, John Mozeliak made it clear that the St. Louis Cardinals were entering a “reset” phase. For the first time in a long while, the team’s focus would shift away from winning and toward developing younger talent. Although this change may have frustrated fans, it was a logical move for the franchise.
As part of this reset, the Cardinals allowed veterans Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Paul Goldschmidt to leave in free agency. They also tried to trade Nolan Arenado but were unsuccessful. That failure is particularly noticeable in light of Thomas Saggese, a former top prospect acquired in the 2023 trade that sent Jordan Montgomery to the Rangers.
Saggese appeared ready to contribute at the major league level, but Arenado’s continued presence blocked his path, forcing him to begin the season in Triple-A Memphis. However, an injury to Nolan Gorman in early April opened a spot on the roster, giving Saggese a chance to step in — and he’s made the most of it.
In just six games, the 23-year-old has collected eight hits in 17 at-bats (.471 average) while playing three different infield positions. Though it’s a small sample size, Saggese has shown he belongs. Unfortunately, Mozeliak’s mismanaged reset could limit his opportunities moving forward
Thomas Saggese deserves more playing time with Cardinals but won’t get it
Thomas Saggese only got his shot in the majors because of Nolan Gorman’s injury, and he’s only still on the roster due to Masyn Winn landing on the injured list right as Gorman returned. While Winn’s injury gives Saggese a bit more time in the big leagues, it’s not expected to keep him out long. Once Winn is healthy, it’s likely that Saggese will either be optioned back to Triple-A or pushed to the bench—neither of which is ideal or deserved.
When fully healthy, the Cardinals’ infield is pretty much locked in with Nolan Arenado, Masyn Winn, Brendan Donovan, and Willson Contreras manning third through first on a near-daily basis. The designated hitter spot is usually taken by Alec Burleson, leaving no clear path to at-bats for Saggese. While Donovan can shift to the outfield, the team already has Lars Nootbaar, Victor Scott II, and Jordan Walker in the mix out there. Occasional rest days might offer limited chances, but that’s the exact situation that led to Saggese being sent down earlier—he just wasn’t going to get many opportunities to play.
Though it’s not Mozeliak’s fault that Arenado wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause, his unwillingness to move anyone else has created a logjam in the infield.
Saggese has shown he deserves regular playing time—especially on a team supposedly focused on youth development. Gorman, too, has proven enough in the past to warrant consistent at-bats. But when everyone’s healthy, both players are at risk of being squeezed out of the lineup.
Cardinals fans can only hope Mozeliak finds a way to clear room soon. Keeping a promising talent like Saggese on the bench or in the minors doesn’t help his development—and yet, that appears to be exactly where things are headed.
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