JUPITER, Fla., March 15, 2026 – The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that the team has reduced its Spring Training roster to 36 players, with seven players moving to minor league camp.
The team optioned pitcher Ryan Fernandez to the Memphis (AAA) roster and re-assigned non-roster pitchers Luis Gastelum, Gerson Moreno and Packy Naughton, infielders Blaze Jordan and Jeremy Rivas and outfielder Matt Koperniak to minor league camp.
The Cardinals currently have 29 major league roster players and seven non-roster invitees in Major League camp.
— STL —
Again, no real surprises in the demotions.
Fernandez is a big time disappointment; he started off so strong in 2024, but just hasn’t recaptured that initial magic. Like a lot of relievers, his shelf life was pretty short and the Cardinals might be moving on if he doesn’t take a step back forward this year. Just look at Naughton.
Jordan has been fun to watch. That power is real; we just need to know if it’s going to translate to the Major League level. I never expected him to still be around at this point of camp, but he really doesn’t have a roster spot with Ivan Herrera getting DH at bats and Alec Burleson at first. He might end up as the Luken Baker-type that could be a decent MLB player if he’s gets the reps he needs.
Koperniak looked like a sure thing for an MLB spot 2 years ago when he was tearing up the minors; it just hasn’t translated to the upper level yet. His time with the organization might be done this years.
Prospects still in camp (2): JJ Wetherholt (NRI – #1), Nathan Church (#26)
Prospects sent down (14): Jurrangelo Cijntje (NRI – #4), Joshua Baez (#5), Quinn Mathews (NRI – #6), Jimmy Crooks (#7), Leonardo Bernal (#9), Tink Hence (#10), Ixan Henderson (NRI – #17), Jordan (NRI – #24), Hancel Rincon (NRI – #28), Gastelum (NRI – #29), Chase Davis (NRI – #30), Pete Hansen (NRI – #33), Max Rajcic (NRI – #44), Koperniak (NRI – #50).
Non-Roster Invitees still in camp (7): Scott Blewett (RHP), Carlos Linarez (C), Ramon Mendoza (IF), Brody Moore (IF), Nelson Velazquez (OF), Wetherholt (IF), Andy Yerzy (C).
Non-Roster Invitees sent down (21): Mike Antico (OF), Cijntje (RHP), Davis (OF), Gastelum (RHP), Skylar Hales (RHP), Hansen (LHP), Henderson (LHP), Jordan (IF), Koperniak (OF), Austin Love (RHP), Mathews (RHP), Moreno (RHP), Naughton (LHP), Rajcic (RHP), Rincon (RHP), Rivas (IF), Sem Robberse (RHP), Jared Shuster (LHP), Graysen Tarlow (C), Zack Thompson (LHP), Bruce Zimmermann (LHP).
Nyrdcast Prospect Rankings:
1-5 | 6-10 | 11-15 | 16-20 | 21-25 | 26-50 | Tracker
Spring Transactions:
March 10 | March 7, 9 | March 2
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