BREAKING: Cardinals Receives Disturbing News On Victor Scott
The Cardinals’ speedy outfield prospect delivered an impressive performance at the plate, accounting for the team’s only two hits and runs.
As St. Louis entered its fourth Spring Training game, attention was on the starting pitching duel. The Blue Jays sent Missouri native and future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer, their prized free-agent signing, to the mound against 24-year-old left-hander Quinn Mathews, who had just made his professional debut last season.
While both pitchers impressed in their brief outings, it was a former top-100 prospect who stood out offensively. Victor Scott II, once considered an afterthought in the Cardinals’ outfield competition, provided all of the team’s offense in a 3-2 loss to the Blue Jays in Dunedin.
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Victor Scott II tallied seven total bases and the team’s only hits, runs in loss
Max Scherzer, at 40 years old, made his Blue Jays debut against a youthful Cardinals lineup, where the oldest player was 27-year-old Lars Nootbaar. Despite the age gap, the young Cardinals hitters aggressively challenged the veteran right-hander early. Manager Oli Marmol opted to start Nootbaar in center field, signaling the team’s openness to letting him earn the job, which shifted the speedy Victor Scott II to left field—a position he had played for just four innings in his professional career.
Scott led off against Scherzer in a lineup packed with left-handed hitters eager to prove themselves for the 2025 season. After being rushed to the majors last year due to late spring training injuries, Scott struggled against big-league pitching, which was expected given his lack of experience beyond Double-A. Entering the season as a fourth or fifth outfield option, Scott faced stiff competition for playing time from Nootbaar, Jordan Walker, Brendan Donovan, and defensive specialist Michael Siani.
Determined to make his case, Scott wasted no time showcasing his talent. After taking the first pitch for a ball, he hammered a 92 mph low fastball to deep left-center field. Blue Jays center fielder Joey Loperfido crashed into the wall attempting to make the catch but couldn’t secure it, allowing Scott—who has stolen 137 bases in two-plus minor league seasons—to cruise into third for a leadoff triple. Alec Burleson followed with a sacrifice fly to drive in Scott for the game’s first run.
Scott wasn’t done. After Cardinals starter Mathews kept Toronto scoreless through two innings, Scott stepped up again in the third. With two outs against Bowden Francis, he turned on an inside fastball and launched it 363 feet for his first spring training home run.
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He had one more plate appearance before exiting, making solid contact in an eight-pitch battle against former closer Yimi Garcia. Though his 105.9 mph line drive to right field was caught, it was his hardest-hit ball of the day.
Despite the Cardinals’ 3-2 loss, Scott was responsible for all of the team’s offense, reinforcing his case for a bigger role. His strong start to camp has put him firmly in the outfield competition, though plenty of Grapefruit League games remain for others to make their case.
With Nolan Arenado staying in St. Louis, Brendan Donovan and Nolan Gorman are expected to share second base duties, with Donovan still likely to see time in left field. If Nootbaar proves he can handle center while maintaining his offensive production, the Cardinals may prioritize their best-hitting lineup—potentially leaving Scott without a spot. Given his limited MLB experience, he might benefit from starting the season in Triple-A Memphis rather than receiving inconsistent at-bats in St. Louis.
This could open the door for Siani, who played the most innings in center last season despite offensive struggles. His defensive skills make him a logical late-game replacement.
As spring training progresses, the Cardinals’ outfield remains one of the most unsettled areas on the roster. Aside from Jordan Walker in right field, no starting spots are guaranteed. But if Scott continues delivering performances like this, he’ll force his way into the conversation.