As the St. Louis Cardinals prepare for Opening Day on March 26, the team announced a series of roster adjustments on Saturday. Six players were optioned or reassigned to minor league camp as the Cardinals continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season. These moves include catcher Jimmy Crooks, right-handed pitcher Tink Hence, infielder César Prieto, catcher Leo Bernal, utility player Bryan Torres, and right-handed pitcher Skylar Hales.
Notable Changes Among Catchers Signal Pozo’s Potential Role
The most unexpected decision was the demotion of Jimmy Crooks to minor league camp. The Cardinals already have depth behind the plate with Pedro Pagés, Yohel Pozo, and Iván Herrera remaining in major league camp. Herrera is slowly regaining his form after limited catching time last year due to injury, while Pagés has been considered a near-lock for the roster throughout spring training. Pozo’s status was less certain, making this roster cut all the more surprising.
Although Herrera’s availability behind the plate is still uncertain, some believe the team should capitalize on Crooks’ abilities immediately, particularly as other catchers like Leo Bernal and Rainiel Rodriguez approach the major league level. Yet, evidence points to Pozo securing a spot on the Opening Day roster. Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat remarked on social media that Pozo’s inclusion
“is all but a certainty now.”
Bernal, Crooks, Hence, Prieto, Torres optioned,
Jones wrote on X.
Skylar Hales reassigned to minor league camp. Points to Yohel Pozo making the team being all but a certainty.
— Jeff Jones, Sports Reporter
Pozo’s Versatility and Strong Performance Boost His Odds
One factor working in Pozo’s favor is his ability to provide extra depth, having seen some playtime at first base as well. His spring training performance has been impressive, boasting a slash line of .462/.563/.846 with one home run, six RBIs, and three walks across six games. This consistency has solidified his candidacy to remain with the big league club.
The decision to send Crooks down, especially given the catching depth question, highlights either the organization’s confidence in Pozo’s readiness or a strategic move to maximize roster flexibility. Further roster cuts are anticipated as the Cardinals approach the start of the season, but for now, Pozo looks poised to be part of the team’s Opening Day plans.
Broader Implications for Cardinals’ Catching and Roster Strategies
Pozo’s potential roster spot reflects ongoing discussions about the Cardinals’ catching situation and broader team construction. With key players like Crooks and Bernal remaining in the minors, the club is betting on Pozo’s strong spring showing and versatility to give them options. How Herrera’s recovery plays out and how the organization manages incoming prospects like Rainiel Rodriguez will continue to influence roster decisions.
This development also intensifies pressure on players competing for limited spots, as Pozo’s rise represents an unexpected shakeup in the camp hierarchy. Cardinals fans will be watching closely to see whether this move translates into meaningful playing time early in the season and how it fits into the team’s longer-term plans.
We have made the following roster moves.
Our Spring Training roster now stands at 51 players. pic.twitter.com/3HTZfl2L0K
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) March 7, 2026
Bernal, Crooks, Hence, Prieto, Torres optioned.
Skylar Hales reassigned to minor league camp.
Points to Yohel Pozo making the team being all but a certainty.
— Jeff Jones (@jmjones) March 7, 2026
