Big-time role awaiting promising Cards Fall Star?

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Already wispy-thin and often sporting a sleepy-eyed daze and a three-day-old beard, Thomas Saggese looked ready for some much-needed rest when his season -- one he split between Triple-A Memphis and the Cardinals -- came to an end in late September.

As it turns out, Saggese still had plenty of work to do in a year that has unquestionably set the course of his career.

Already one of the top prospects in the Cardinals' organization, Saggese has firmed up the belief that he is ready to be an everyday starter at the big league level with some stellar play in the Arizona Fall League.

Saggese, 22, was an absolute no-brainer of a Fall Stars Game selection for the AFL showcase this past week. In 18 games this fall, the gritty middle infielder leads the league in on-base percentage (.524) and ranks third in batting average (.391), fourth in OPS (1.118) and fifth in slugging (.594). Not only has he smashed two home runs and seven doubles, but he’s walked (16) more times than he has struck out (15). Saggese’s only negative of the fall? He’s been thrown out trying to steal four times compared to three stolen bases.

Though he gives off aww-shucks vibes and his self-deprecating humor can be quite hilarious, Saggese also possesses a quiet confidence when it comes to his abilities at the plate. He’s always thought he could hit big league pitching -- when he was drafted by the Rangers out of high school in 2020, when he was winning the Texas League MVP Award in '23 and when he got called up to the Cards for his MLB debut on Sept. 10.

“I’ve always thought I could do this,” Saggese said recently when talking about his ability to stick at the MLB level. “I’ve always tried to take things one day at a time and keep my focus on doing the work I need to do to get better, but I have confidence that I can play [in the big leagues].”

With the Cardinals planning to trim payroll and shift their focus to their young players in the season ahead, the spotlight could very well fall onto Saggese, one of the players acquired by St. Louis in July 2023 in the trade that was centered around left-hander Jordan Montgomery going to the eventual World Series champion Rangers.

If the Cardinals look to deal Nolan Arenado -- the 10-time Gold Glove third baseman would have to approve that transaction with the no-trade clause in his contract -- it would likely mean that lefty slugger Nolan Gorman would shift back to his most natural position of third base. That would open up the starting second-base job for Saggese, who has proven that he has the bat that could greatly help a Cardinals offense that was at or near the bottom of the National League in several major statistical categories in 2024.

Saggese can also do a few things with the glove -- something he showed off last season upon getting called up to the Cardinals with a series of flashy defensive plays. While he hit just .204 in 49 at-bats, Saggese impressed the Cards with how he handled himself at three infield spots. In 13 games at second base, he handled 43 chances with just one error.

Even though he’s known predominantly for his bat, Saggese takes great pride in being an all-around player and someone his team can count on defensively.

“I think I could bring a lot to a team and defense is something that I really work hard on,” said Saggese, who also saw MLB time at shortstop and third base in 2024. “I try to be as good of a defender as I can, and I try to do the work that can prepare me to make those plays. When it comes to defense, it’s just about getting as many reps as possible to help prepare you for the games. Then, in the games, whatever happens, happens. But I know I’ve done the work to get there.”