With a little over two weeks until Opening Day, the St. Louis Cardinals roster is almost set. There are still a few questions about the pitching rotation and bullpen. But as far as position players go, the starting nine are basically solidified. However, there is still one spot on the diamond that is in question. Who will be playing left field for the team on Opening Day? The primary option coming into the season would be veteran Lars Nootbaar. However, Nootbaar is currently sidelined with an injury. Here are the two best potential left field options for the Cardinals on Opening Day during his absence.

The Two Best Opening Day Left Field Options for the Cardinals
Nelson Velázquez

One option for the Cardinals’ left field spot is 28-year-old Nelson Velázquez. The Cardinals signed Velázquez on January 26th. He was brought into camp to compete for the right-handed power bat the team was looking for. In 2023, he had 17 home runs and 34 RBI in just 53 games between the Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs. His stats dropped in 2024, as he only had eight homers and 27 RBI across 64 games for Kansas City. Velázquez spent most of 2025 in the minor leagues with Kansas City and Pittsburgh. In that time, he hit 11 home runs and 31 RBI across 51 games. However, he is having a successful spring in 2026 with the Cardinals. He has two homers, three RBI, and a batting average of .348 in nine games so far this spring.

Nelson Velázquez crushes one into the corner💣 pic.twitter.com/QyAziJg4bJ

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) March 6, 2026

As far as fielding goes, he can play all three outfield positions. Left field, however, is where he has spent most of his time. He has a career .929 fielding percentage in left field and has a strong enough arm to be viable at the position. With the direction the Cardinals are heading in 2026, Velázquez should be the top option to start Opening Day in left field in Nootbaars’ absence.

José Fermín

Another option for the Cardinals’ left field spot is José Fermín. Going back and forth between the majors and minors with the Cards since 2023, Fermín is primarily known as an infielder, but has been taking reps in center and left field for St. Louis this spring. He has experience in left field from the 2025 season as well. He isn’t known as a huge threat with the bat. Even this spring, Fermín is only hitting .160 in 25 at-bats. However, offense isn’t set to be the Cardinals’ strength in the 2026 season. The Cardinals are projected to be a well-rounded defensive team, and leaning on small ball on the offensive side.

José Fermín gets us on the board in the 1st! pic.twitter.com/tmwJMQmgvg

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) February 23, 2026

Defense is one of Fermín’s strong suits. In 96 career games, he has a fielding percentage well over .900. Though he may not help the club much offensively, Fermín will provide viable defense for the team to compete in 2026. He may also get the spot due to his versatility alone. In contrast to Velázquez, who is only an outfielder, Fermín can play seven positions on the diamond. The saying goes, “The best ability is availability.”  His ability to be available at multiple positions may give him the edge for the Cardinals’ Opening Day left field spot until Nootbaar is ready to return.

Defense vs. Offense

The Cardinals will ultimately have to choose between defense and offense for their Opening Day left fielder. Fermín is the obvious defensive choice, while Velázquez is the obvious offensive choice. Either way, once Nootbaar is healthy, he will be inserted back into the lineup. While neither one of the two is a superstar by any means, they serve their purpose as role players. It can also be possible to see a platoon between the two until Noot’s return. However, it will be interesting to see what the Cardinals will prioritize when choosing that last corner outfield position.

 

Main Photo Credit: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images