Michael

Gomez

As we head into the final days of spring training, you’re going to see every club trim down their roster like this. The Cardinals now have just 31 players remaining in big league camp. Saggese’s best chance of making the Opening Day roster was for the Cardinals to trade Nolan Arenado, but as that still hasn’t happened he’ll be ticketed for Triple-A Memphis to start the 2025 campaign.

Gomez, 28, spent last year in the Tampa Bay organization. He posted a 5.04 ERA, but did post a solid 10.9 K/9 over his 39 appearances. He’ll likely provide depth at the higher levels for St. Louis, but a good showing in the Grapefruit League could see him make the Cardinals’ bullpen to begin 2025.

McKay has looked impressive and healthy, most importantly, this spring after missing the majority of the last few seasons due to injury issues. The 28-year-old lefty will need some additional time to continue ramping up in the minors, but might be an option for Tampa Bay at some point later this season.

The Rays took Gomez from the Yankees in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft earlier this month. The 27-year-old had a 5.45 ERA and a 61/43 K/BB ratio in 67 2/3 innings of relief work for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season, so he’ll face an uphill battle for a bullpen spot.