Quick thoughts on the Cardinals’ Opening Day roster

We know how the the Cardinals’ 26-player active roster will look to start the 2026 season, and there’s a surprise therein

In advance of Thursday’s season-opening home tilt against the Rays, the Cardinals have unfurled their active roster to start the 2026 campaign. The club has not yet officially announced the full roster, but thanks to some Monday comments from POBO Chaim Bloom, we know what it will look like. Said roster includes, at least from my perspective, one very surprising choice. Let’s dig in, going group by group. First up, the hitters. All players listed alphabetically.