The St. Louis Cardinals were looking like a team on the rise earlier this season, riding high before a weekend trip to Queens to face the New York Mets. But that series turned into a nightmare—they got swept, and just like that, they tumbled down the NL Central standings. It was a tough blow for a squad that had been showing some promise, but there’s a silver lining on the horizon: Masyn Winn is back from the injured list. The young shortstop’s return couldn’t come at a better time, though the Cardinals are making an interesting choice by not sending down Thomas Saggese, who’s been holding down the fort at shortstop in Winn’s absence. Let’s break down why this move makes sense and what it means for the team moving forward.
Winn’s season got off to a rocky start—he went hitless in his first five games, struggling through 20 at-bats without a knock. But just as he was finding his groove, going on a six-game hitting streak and looking like the player the Cardinals know he can be, back spasms sidelined him. That’s where Saggese stepped in, and the 23-year-old has been nothing short of a revelation. Last year, Saggese hit just .204 in 18 games, so expectations weren’t sky-high. But this season, in 12 games, he’s been a completely different player. He’s hit in all nine of his starts, posting a 14-for-35 line with four doubles, a homer, and seven RBIs. Those aren’t just solid numbers—they’re the kind of stats that make you sit up and take notice, especially for a guy who’s also showing off his glove across multiple positions.
That versatility is a big reason the Cardinals are keeping Saggese on the active roster, even with Winn back in the mix. Saggese has played second base and third base in addition to shortstop since joining the team, and that kind of flexibility is gold for a club that’s in the middle of a rebuild. MLB.com’s John Denton nailed it when he pointed out that Saggese’s bat has been too good to send down, and his ability to play all over the infield gives the Cardinals options—especially as the trade deadline looms. The team is expected to sell off pieces, with a full-on rebuild already underway. They let Paul Goldschmidt walk, and there were efforts to deal Nolan Arenado before the season started. If Arenado does get moved, Saggese could slide right in as the everyday third baseman down the stretch. His offense has earned him that shot, and his glove isn’t slowing him down either.
To make room for Winn, the Cardinals sent 26-year-old Michael Siani back to the minors. Siani, a centerfielder, was a full-time player for the first time last year and posted a career .222 batting average. He was a defensive standout in the outfield last season, not making a single error, but his defensive runs saved took a dip into the negative this year, and his bat just hasn’t been enough to keep him in the majors with Winn returning. It’s a tough break for Siani, but this move is all about maximizing the roster’s potential, and Saggese’s hot start gives the Cardinals a lot to work with.
This is a team in transition, no doubt about it. The sweep in Queens was a harsh reminder of how far they still have to go, but keeping Saggese around while welcoming Winn back shows they’re thinking about both the present and the future. Saggese’s bat is giving them a boost right now, and his ability to play multiple spots in the infield could be a lifesaver as the roster shifts in the coming months. For Cardinals fans, it’s a glimmer of hope in a season that’s had its share of frustrations—a sign that there’s still some fight, and maybe even a little magic, left in this team.
