The St. Louis Cardinals are still working through a few unresolved decisions as they finalize their roster ahead of Opening Day 2026. While certain areas of the team are beginning to take shape, there are still a handful of roles up for grabs, leaving the coaching staff with important evaluations to make over the final stretch of spring training.
One of the more notable recent developments involves the pitching staff. The organization made the decision to option right-handed pitcher Richard Fitts to Triple-A Memphis, a move that effectively clarifies how the starting rotation will look when the regular season begins. By sending Fitts down, the Cardinals have essentially locked in their group of starters, signaling that the competition for those roles has concluded, at least for now. This provides some stability and allows the team to shift its attention toward finalizing other areas of the roster.
Despite the rotation being settled, the bullpen remains an area of active competition. Relief roles are often among the most hotly contested spots in spring training, and that is certainly the case for St. Louis this year. While several bullpen positions have already been secured, there is still at least one opening that has yet to be claimed. As a result, multiple pitchers are continuing to make their case in hopes of earning that final spot before the team breaks camp.
At this stage, the competition for that last bullpen role has narrowed to a group of four pitchers. Matt Pushard, Chris Roycroft, Gordon Graceffo, and George Soriano are all still in the running. Each of these pitchers brings a different skill set and level of experience, which makes the decision particularly challenging for the Cardinals’ coaching staff and front office.
Their performances during spring training games, along with their overall consistency, ability to handle pressure situations, and fit within the team’s bullpen structure, will all factor into the final call.
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Pushard has shown flashes of potential, demonstrating the kind of stuff that could translate well into a relief role at the major league level. Roycroft, meanwhile, has also made a strong impression, showcasing his ability to handle hitters and maintain composure in key moments.
Graceffo, who has been regarded as one of the more intriguing arms in the organization, offers upside and versatility, which could make him an appealing option depending on how the Cardinals want to structure their bullpen. Soriano rounds out the group, bringing his own set of strengths and experience that keep him firmly in contention.
While these four pitchers remain in the mix, the field was recently reduced with the reassignment of another contender. Right-hander Scott Blewett, who had been competing for a bullpen spot as well, was sent back to minor league camp. This move effectively removes him from immediate consideration for the Opening Day roster, though it does not entirely eliminate his chances of contributing to the big-league club later in the season.
Even with his reassignment, Blewett will still have opportunities to showcase his abilities in the remaining Grapefruit League games. The Cardinals plan to continue using him out of the bullpen during spring training, which suggests that the organization still values what he brings to the table. Strong performances in these outings could help keep him on the radar as a potential call-up option once the regular season gets underway.
The decision to reassign Blewett also highlights the level of competition within the Cardinals’ pitching staff. With multiple capable arms vying for limited spots, the team is in a position where difficult cuts are unavoidable. While Blewett did not make the final group competing for the last bullpen role, his presence in camp and continued usage indicate that he remains part of the organization’s broader pitching plans.
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As spring training progresses toward its conclusion, the Cardinals will continue to evaluate their remaining options. The final bullpen decision will likely come down to a combination of recent performance, overall readiness, and how each pitcher complements the rest of the staff. Factors such as the ability to pitch in different situations, durability, and consistency will all play a role in determining who ultimately secures the final spot.
In the meantime, the team’s approach reflects a careful and methodical process. By gradually narrowing the field and giving each contender opportunities to prove themselves, the Cardinals are ensuring that they make the most informed decision possible. This kind of competition not only helps identify the best candidate for the role but also fosters depth within the organization, which can be crucial over the course of a long season.
Ultimately, while the starting rotation appears to be set following Fitts’ optioning, the bullpen remains a key storyline as Opening Day approaches. With four pitchers still in contention and only one spot available, the coming days will be critical in determining who earns that final place on the roster. For Pushard, Roycroft, Graceffo, and Soriano, every outing carries significant weight as they look to secure their spot and begin the season at the major league level.
Cardinals option Scott Blewett
Blewett’s path to this point has been a steady grind, marked by perseverance and an ability to make the most of opportunities when they arise. Brought into the organization on a minor league deal toward the tail end of the offseason, the 29-year-old right-handed pitcher has quietly put together an impressive showing during spring training.
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Across six appearances, he has compiled a 1-0 record along with a sparkling 1.50 ERA, numbers that have not gone unnoticed as the Cardinals evaluate their options for the final opening in their bullpen.
Even with Blewett’s strong performance, the competition for that last bullpen spot remains intense. The Cardinals entered camp with a surplus of arms vying for limited roles, and while the field has begun to thin as decisions are made, there is still no definitive conclusion.
The coaching staff and front office are carefully weighing multiple factors, including recent performance, long-term upside, roster flexibility, and overall fit within the pitching staff. As a result, even standout spring statistics do not automatically guarantee a place on the Opening Day roster.
What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that the decision-making process is entering its final stages. With the team set to break camp on Sunday, only a short window remains for pitchers to make their final impressions. Each outing now carries added significance, as even a single appearance could tip the balance in a tightly contested race. Blewett has done his part to stay in the conversation, but he is far from alone in that regard.
Among the competitors, Soriano has emerged as a potential frontrunner for the final bullpen role. His combination of stuff, consistency, and perhaps organizational preference may give him a slight edge as things currently stand. Still, nothing has been finalized, and the remaining days of camp leave room for changes. Injuries, late surges, or strategic considerations could all influence the final outcome. In a competition this close, the margin between making the team and being reassigned can be razor-thin.
Regardless of whether Blewett ultimately secures a spot on the Opening Day roster, his performance this spring has solidified his value to the organization. At the very least, he has positioned himself as a reliable depth option, someone the Cardinals can call upon if the need arises during the regular season. Depth is a critical component of any successful pitching staff, particularly over the course of a long and demanding season where injuries and fatigue are almost inevitable.
Blewett’s career trajectory underscores the importance of that kind of depth. Over the years, he has spent time with several different organizations, including stints with the Royals, Twins, Braves, and Orioles. This journey has required him to adapt to new environments, coaching staffs, and expectations, all while striving to maintain his effectiveness on the mound. While such movement can be challenging, it has also provided him with a wealth of experience that can be beneficial in high-pressure situations.
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That experience makes him a valuable insurance policy for the Cardinals. Should an injury occur or a member of the bullpen struggle, Blewett represents a ready-made option who can step in without requiring a significant adjustment period. His familiarity with the demands of major league pitching, combined with his recent success, suggests that he could contribute meaningfully if called upon.
For a team in the midst of a rebuilding phase, having that level of organizational depth is particularly important. The Cardinals are not only focused on immediate results but also on building a sustainable foundation for the future. This means developing young talent while also maintaining enough experienced players to provide stability and support. Blewett fits neatly into that framework, offering both reliability and flexibility.
As the final days of Grapefruit League play unfold, the spotlight will remain firmly on the bullpen battle. Each pitcher still in contention understands the stakes, and the intensity of the competition is likely to reflect that. Coaches will be watching closely, evaluating not just results but also composure, command, and the ability to execute in key moments. These intangible factors often play a significant role in final roster decisions, particularly when statistical performances are comparable.
The narrowing of the bullpen picture has been gradual but noticeable. Early in camp, the competition featured a wide array of candidates, each bringing different strengths to the table. As cuts have been made and roles have begun to take shape, the focus has shifted to a smaller group of pitchers fighting for the remaining spot. This process is a natural part of spring training, but it also heightens the sense of urgency for those still in the mix.
Blewett’s case is an interesting one within this context. On one hand, his performance metrics suggest he has done everything within his control to earn consideration. On the other hand, roster decisions often extend beyond numbers, incorporating broader strategic considerations. The Cardinals must balance immediate needs with long-term planning, and that balance can sometimes work against players who might otherwise appear deserving based solely on spring results.
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Even so, Blewett’s presence in the organization provides a layer of security that should not be underestimated. Over the course of a 162-game season, it is virtually guaranteed that the team will need to rely on more than just its initial bullpen configuration. Injuries, slumps, and scheduling demands will create opportunities for additional pitchers to step in, and having someone like Blewett ready to answer that call can make a significant difference.
In many ways, his situation reflects the broader reality of professional baseball, where success is often measured not just by making the Opening Day roster but by staying prepared for opportunities whenever they arise. Players who embrace that mindset and continue to perform at a high level, regardless of their immediate status, often find ways to contribute over the course of the season.
For the Cardinals, the coming days will be crucial in finalizing their bullpen composition. The decision-makers will need to weigh all available information and make choices that align with the team’s overall objectives. While only one pitcher will ultimately claim the final spot, the competition itself serves a valuable purpose, pushing each participant to perform at their best and elevating the overall quality of the pitching staff.
As for Blewett, his spring has already accomplished something important: it has ensured that he remains firmly on the organization’s radar. Whether he breaks camp with the team or begins the season in a depth role, he has demonstrated that he is capable of contributing at a high level. That alone makes him an asset, particularly for a team navigating the challenges of a rebuilding period.
Ultimately, the outcome of the bullpen battle will soon be decided, bringing clarity to a situation that has been evolving throughout the spring. Until then, the focus remains on performance, preparation, and seizing every available opportunity. Blewett has done his part to stay in contention, and regardless of the final decision, his efforts have strengthened the Cardinals’ pitching depth and provided them with another dependable option moving forward.
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