Cardinals announce 27 non-roster invitees for 2026 spring training

The St. Louis Cardinals have invited 27 non-roster players to their 2026 Spring Training camp in Jupiter, Florida. The group includes promising prospects and veterans with Major League experience, set to report in the second week of February. Highlights feature award-winning minor leaguers like JJ Wetherholt and Ixan Henderson.

On January 26, 2026, the St. Louis Cardinals revealed their list of 27 non-roster invitees for Spring Training, bringing the total camp roster to 67 players. These invitees will join the team at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex in Jupiter, with pitchers and catchers starting practice on February 12 and the full squad workout on February 16.

Among the standout names are JJ Wetherholt, the 2025 Texas League MVP and Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year, and Ixan Henderson, the 2025 Texas League Pitcher of the Year. Both are set to report alongside the big leaguers. Eight players recently acquired by the Cardinals—either this offseason or after last season—will also participate: right-handers Scott Blewett, Skylar Hales, and Gerson Moreno; left-handers Jared Shuster and Bruce Zimmermann; first baseman Blaze Jordan; outfielder Nelson Velázquez; and catcher Andy Yerzy.

Eleven invitees are attending their first Major League camp, including pitchers Luis Gastelum, Pete Hansen, Henderson, Austin Love, and Hancel Rincón; catchers Graysen Tarlow and Yerzy; infielders Jordan, Ramon Mendoza, and Brody Moore; and outfielder Mike Antico. Returning from last year's camp are 2024 MiLB and Baseball America Minor League Pitcher of the Year Quinn Mathews, along with pitchers Max Rajcic, Sem Robberse, and Zack Thompson; catcher Carlos Linárez; infielders Jeremy Rivas and Wetherholt; and outfielders Chase Davis and Matt Koperniak.

Left-hander Packy Naughton, who pitched for St. Louis in 2022 and 2023 before arm injuries sidelined him, makes a return to Major League camp. Four others bring prior big-league experience: Blewett (with Royals, Twins, Orioles, and Braves), Shuster (Braves and White Sox), Velázquez (Cubs and Royals), and Zimmermann (Orioles and Brewers). Note that Robberse and Thompson are currently injured.

The positional breakdown includes 15 pitchers, three catchers, five infielders, and four outfielders, offering a mix of youth and experience as the Cardinals prepare for the season.

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