When Nelson Velazquez signed with the St. Louis Cardinals this January, not much was expected. After all, as a rebuilding team, the Cardinals were looking to get rid of contracts, not take them on. And they certainly did that, dealing away the likes of Brendan Donovan, Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado.

The only major league signings they made were starting pitcher Dustin May and reliever Ryne Stanek, and both were seemingly signed with the idea that they could be traded at the deadline this summer.

But what's started out as a potential organizational filler has turned into a likely Opening Day roster spot, as noted by Cardinals reporter Jeff Jones.

What started as the most open competition in Cardinals camp is progressing toward an earned conclusion. There’s no guarantee it’ll carry over into and throughout the regular season, but there’s also very little doubt that Nelson Velázquez will be in left on opening day:

Now 27 years old, Velazquez is a native of Puerto Rico who was taken by the Chicago Cubs in the fifth round of the 2017 MLB Draft. A three-year veteran of the Cubs and Kansas City Royals, he's a .212 career hitter with 31 homers and seven stolen bases. He hit 17 homers in 2023 between the two organizations. He did not play in the major leagues in 2025.

He was hitting .333 in Grapefruit League action entering play on Tuesday.

Former top prospect Jordan Walker figures to start in the outfield along with Victor Scott. Nathan Church is an outfield option as well. However, the team has worked to expand upon its flexibility this offseason. Thomas Saggese and Alec Burleson could both see time in the outfield.

Top prospect Joshua Baez had an electric spring but was ultimately sent back to Triple-A. He figures to make his major league debut in short order. Lars Nootbaar had double heel surgery this offseason and won't be ready for Opening Day.

--Tuesday is the final day of the World Baseball Classic, with Team USA battling Team Venezuela for the crown. Cardinals Hall of Famer Matt Holliday is one of the hitting coaches for Team USA. Former Cardinals Yadier Molina (Puerto Rico) and Albert Pujols (Dominican Republic) both managed in the event, which seems to have reached new heights in its sixth iteration.

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