Herrera going to spring training 2026 as a catcher ?

[ramfandan]

From the interview I heard/read regarding Herrera ,it seems the team's bigger concern than his throwing arm was his ability to 'call a game ' better.
He is supposedly will be working on that skill this winter. Sounds like he needs more video work in preparing /scouting the opposition weaknesses, etc. prior to games so he can have the pitcher throw to those weaknesses .

[BrockFloodMaris]

They are both basically bats, although WC plays a serviceable 1B.

He actually was much better than "serviceable at 1B" BFM.

His +6 OAA ranked 6th best in MLB.

This was a big upgrade over 2024 Goldy who was a "0" OAA last season.

Got it. Thanks.

[Youboughtit]

From the interview I heard/read regarding Herrera ,it seems the team's bigger concern than his throwing arm was his ability to 'call a game ' better.
He is supposedly will be working on that skill this winter. Sounds like he needs more video work in preparing /scouting the opposition weaknesses, etc. prior to games so he can have the pitcher throw to those weaknesses .

Calls a bad game and cannot frame pitches are actually worse than his arm which is the worst of any C in Baseball. I took it more as he wants to do it so let’s not tell him no. ST experiment. Nothing more

[Basil Shabazz]

Bottom line is that "if" Herrera can be a serviceable catcher, then the lineup is much more dangerous & deeper offensively than it would be with Pages at catcher and Herrera at DH.

It would enable the Cards to put a real thumper in place as their DH.

[12xu]

I hope he can improve his skills at catcher. He is still young enough to improve. One thing for certain, his bat needs to be in the 2026 lineup for 145-150 games. He is already a very dynamic hitter with great power, and he should also improve with the bat.

[ramfandan]

Bottom line is that "if" Herrera can be a serviceable catcher, then the lineup is much more dangerous & deeper offensively than it would be with Pages at catcher and Herrera at DH.

It would enable the Cards to put a real thumper in place as their DH.

Exactly! If he can catch decent in 2026, thr offense could be much better. If it doesn’t go smoothly, he can return to DH

Added note: concern about proper framing less crucial in 2026 with inception of ABS

[reson8]

Herrera has played in 102 games so far, almost exclusively at DH. He's been on the IL twice as a DH. Has an 830 OPS at DH. And they want to move him back to catcher? This franchise is full of idiots. Let the kid be a DH for now. See if he can put another year like this one together. And stay upright long enough to play in 140+ games. Stop screwing around with young players and let them do what they can do best without adding any other burdens to them.

He's my DH in 2026 and beyond until the team has someone better. My 2 pennies.

[Clubmaker2]

they have (upset) away 3 years, and now they will go back to that starting line and build a team where the dh spot is not filled as IH has to be able to move back into it when he again cant throw. More awesome roster construction. He is your best hitter, leave him in left field forever if that is possible.

[riff raff]

If they can find a position for Herrera, then Burly can be the primary DH.
Trade Nado. Wetherholt plays 3B, Donovan plays 2B. Hopefully Bloom can put his hands on a good hitting outfielder.
We sure don't seem to have one.

[Ozziesfan41]

Bernie just put out a new video about Herrera said he has 7 home runs in 69 at bats this month and the rest of the team has 5 home runs in 555 AB lol Gorman has 1 in 58 at bats

[Ozziesfan41]

The no power having Herrera with another bomb

[Cusecards]

Having his bat at Catcher would certainly deepen the lineup.
Considering where we’ll start 2026 It won’t hurt to give him another look in ST and early on.
Gut feeling. With the depth of Catching prospects in the System I would bet that he doesn’t stick there.

[Ozziesfan41]

Having his bat at Catcher would certainly deepen the lineup.
Considering where we’ll start 2026 It won’t hurt to give him another look in ST and early on.
Gut feeling. With the depth of Catching prospects in the System I would bet that he doesn’t stick there.

I’m betting you’re right I personally would prefer they leave him at DH I think best case scenario he’s a slightly below average catcher instead of brutal but oli did say he is a work horse and described his work ethic as relentless so who knows if he doesn’t make it it won’t be from lack of working at it

[Cusecards]

Having his bat at Catcher would certainly deepen the lineup.
Considering where we’ll start 2026 It won’t hurt to give him another look in ST and early on.
Gut feeling. With the depth of Catching prospects in the System I would bet that he doesn’t stick there.

I’m betting you’re right I personally would prefer they leave him at DH I think best case scenario he’s a slightly below average catcher instead of brutal but oli did say he is a work horse and described his work ethic as relentless so who knows if he doesn’t make it it won’t be from lack of working at it

2026 is a ways off so to me this is just talk.
Herrera- I’d like to try Catching again next year!
Cards- Ok we’ll give it a look.

Translation- Bottom line Herrera wants to be in the lineup. Cards need him in the lineup. Cards have young Catchers on the rise. Cards tell him he’ll be in there every day at LF/DH.
Don’t see an issue.

[Ozziesfan41]

Having his bat at Catcher would certainly deepen the lineup.
Considering where we’ll start 2026 It won’t hurt to give him another look in ST and early on.
Gut feeling. With the depth of Catching prospects in the System I would bet that he doesn’t stick there.

I’m betting you’re right I personally would prefer they leave him at DH I think best case scenario he’s a slightly below average catcher instead of brutal but oli did say he is a work horse and described his work ethic as relentless so who knows if he doesn’t make it it won’t be from lack of working at it

2026 is a ways off so to me this is just talk.
Herrera- I’d like to try Catching again next year!
Cards- Ok we’ll give it a look.

Translation- Bottom line Herrera wants to be in the lineup. Cards need him in the lineup. Cards have young Catchers on the rise. Cards tell him he’ll be in there every day at LF/DH.
Don’t see an issue.

Agree. No matter what though his bat plays anywhere