The competition for the center field position is one of the most intense in camp. To make room for a player, the Cardinals may look to trade with the White Sox.
The St. Louis Cardinals’ offense has had its ups and downs during Spring Training, but there have been some standout performances pushing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. While Spring Training results don’t always predict regular-season success, the early performance from outfielder Victor Scott II has added pressure to the players vying for playing time.
The Cardinals could create space for Scott by trading from their center field depth. Last season, the team experienced a lot of changes in their outfield due to injuries and inconsistent performance. Speedy prospect Victor Scott II started the season as the center fielder, despite having never faced higher than Double-A pitching, but struggled and was sent to Memphis after just 18 games. This allowed Michael Siani, a solid defensive outfielder but weak hitter, to take over. Siani played 110 games in center field but had a poor offensive showing with a 61 WRC+, 39% below league average. Despite his struggles, the Cardinals didn’t call up Scott until August, where he had limited playing time.
The center field competition remains one of the hottest battles in camp, with Lars Nootbaar also in the mix as the team decides between offense and defense. Nolan Arenado is expected to remain with the Cardinals for at least the beginning of the season, which impacts the rest of the roster. Utility player Brendan Donovan was slated to take time at second base with Nolan Gorman shifting to third, but now Donovan may also be a regular in left field, giving Gorman and Jordan Walker more opportunities.
Given that inconsistent playing time could hinder the development of 24-year-old Victor Scott, it seemed likely he would start the season in Memphis, with Siani getting a roster spot as a defensive replacement. However, Scott’s impressive Spring Training performance may change the Cardinals’ plans.
In his small three-game sample, Scott is hitting .571 with a 1.953 OPS, including a home run and triple. In his most recent game, Scott walked, stole second, and then stole another base in the same inning, showcasing both his speed and power. His performance is making a case for him as the early favorite for the center field spot.
To make room for Scott, the Cardinals could consider trading Michael Siani. Since Siani’s bat is unlikely to develop much further, a trade could provide value, particularly to a team like the White Sox, who just lost their highest-paid player, Andrew Benintendi, to injury. The White Sox are expected to struggle this season, and with Benintendi out until at least April, they could benefit from Siani’s defensive abilities in the meantime. Once Benintendi returns, the White Sox could move Siani to left field or keep him as a depth option.
The return for Siani wouldn’t be significant, but the Cardinals might receive a low-level pitching prospect or cash considerations. Given the Cardinals’ focus on developing younger players, it may be in their best interest to trade Siani while his value is relatively high, as his ceiling remains below league average offensively. If Scott continues to impress, he could have a more permanent role in the major league lineup.
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