3 Cardinals Who Won't Make the Team Out of Spring Training But Should

Cardinals fans have been on high alert this spring, taking in the full breadth of talent on the table as they attempt to surge to another NL Central title.

Though not all of their young talent will be on display on Opening Day, these eye-openers probably should be in attendance.

3. Lane Thomas

St Louis Cardinals OF Lane Thomas / Rich Schultz/Getty Images

The 24-year-old Thomas is a prototypical Cardinal who hit .316 in a 38-AB cameo in 2019. This spring, he's ripped two bombs in 30 at-bats, his scrappiness and surprising pop on full display. Will he be able to beat out both Tyler O'Neill and Dylan Carlson for a spot, though? His pedigree is certainly lower than theirs.

2. Kodi Whitley

St Louis Cardinals' Kodi Whitley / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

25-year-old fireballer Kodi Whitley would be a lock for this team, IF he were on the 40-man roster. Since an extra maneuver would be necessary to get him onto the Cards, we suspect he'll find his way to Triple-A for some extra seasoning, though he might not need it. Whitley's showcased his ridiculous arsenal in five shutout innings with eight whiffs this spring, and is making this very tough on the decision-makers

1. Dylan Carlson

St Louis Cardinals star Dylan Carlson / Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

Carlson is both the breakout star of Cards camp, and the man most likely to lose his gig to Tyler O'Neill, who is also mashing, with more experience. He's hitting .357 with a .471 OBP this spring, and though he doesn't have the inside lane at a roster spot, we're betting the Texas League Player of the Year will be at Busch soon enough. It's in the Cards.