St. Louis Cardinals: Yairo Munoz makes the roster at the expense of Harrison Bader and Luke Voit
Yairo Munoz makes the St. Louis Cardinals roster at the expense of both Harrison Bader and Luke Voit Did the Redbirds make the right decision?
With MLB Opening Day less than one week away (is this real life?) teams are making final adjustments to their final rosters. The St. Louis Cardinals are no different, faced with the tough task of choosing between three players for one spot — Harrison Bader, Yairo Munoz, and Luke Voit.
It’s hard to believe these three aren’t even in the top 10 of the Cardinals rookie eligible prospects. Anyways,
And the winner is…
BREAKING: Yairo Munoz has been informed he’s made the Cardinals.
— Joe Trezza (@JoeTrezz) March 23, 2018
Harrison Bader and Luke Voit optioned to Triple-A Memphis. #STLCards
According to Joe Trezza of MLB.com, the lucky winner is Yairo Munoz. Why did the St. Louis Cardinals chose him over the likes of Luke Voit and Harrison Vader? The answer to that question is depth, with the news a mixed bag for St. Louis Cardinals fans, who weighed both the pros and cons of this tough roster decision.
Just as hard to absorb is the fact that Bader probably earned it too with the spring he had. Good numbers. This is all about versatility and roster flexibility. https://t.co/pJTjgagWlP
— Brandon Mahler (@BrandonJMahler) March 23, 2018
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According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Munoz has been the best position player all Spring — hitting .375 with three home runs and solid defense to go along with it — who can play any infield position, including shortstop.
On the flipside, Voit and Bader have both impressed also, but find themselves as the odd men out due to the no vacancy at their positions in St. Louis. Voit, even though a former college catcher at Missouri State in college, only plays first base now. The Cardinals are also deep within outfield talent, which slams the door shut on Bader (for now).
No doubt that Luke Voit is the first baseman of the future for the St. Louis Cardinals, but his time has not quite come yet; with getting more reps in Triple-A Memphis being the best thing for him right now. The same rings true for Bader in centerfield.
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It’s nice to know if the St. Louis Cardinals are hit with the injury bug, they have the options of two studs like these waiting in the wings. But for now, it’s Munoz’s time to shine, and he’s earned a shot at the big league level.