JUPITER, Fla. -- Many of the Cardinals’ remaining position battles -- in center field, at catcher, in the starting staff and the bullpen -- will come down to decisions not just about talent, but also purpose.

Initially intent on resetting the roster and focusing on the development of their young core, the Cardinals instead are a team still filled with veterans. Do they want to prioritize their youngsters and long-term development? Or should they be in win-now mode with the veteran players who give them the best chance in the short term?

Matthew Liberatore is likely better to the Cards in 2025 as a reliever, but is his long-term value greater as a starter? Michael McGreevy pitched well enough to start the season with the big league club, but will the Cards keep Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz because they are owed a combined $29 million? Do the Cards stick Lars Nootbaar in center field to inject more offense or play promising youngsters Victor Scott II or Michael Siani for their defensive value? Can the club be patient with catcher Iván Herrera, a promising hitter who continues to have throwing issues?

"There’s a bigger conversation that will be had organizationally to make sure we’re making decisions that not only impact the short term, but also the long [term],” manager Oliver Marmol said.

Here is version 2.0 of what the Cardinals' roster figures to look like on Opening Day:

Catcher (2): Iván Herrera, Pedro Pagés

The Cardinals believe so much in Herrera and Pagés that they moved Contreras to first base. Herrera, 24, hit .301 with an .800 OPS, but he threw out just four of 59 baserunners last season. Pitchers love Pagés, but he must improve upon a .657 OPS to be an everyday catcher.

First baseman (1): Willson Contreras

Contreras will switch to a position he’s played just 11 times in his career and not since 2019. The impetus was Contreras appearing in just 84 games last season because of injuries.

Second baseman (2): Brendan Donovan, Nolan Gorman

Donovan has been a do-everything master over the past three years. The Cardinals want Gorman getting 550-600 at-bats in what they hope will be a massive bounce-back season.

Shortstop (1): Masyn Winn

Winn, who doesn’t turn 23 years old until March 21, cleared up the questions about his bat during a stellar rookie season. The next challenge for Winn: steal 30 to 40 bases in 2025.

Third baseman (1): Nolan Arenado

For now, Arenado is still in St. Louis, and he’s much lighter after a winter of work to try and restore his power. How long will Arenado remain happy with the status quo if the Cards get off to a slow start?

Outfielders (3): Lars Nootbaar, Jordan Walker, Victor Scott II

Nootbaar finished in baseball’s 91st percentile in hard-hit rate (49.5%) and he made hard contact on 21.9% of his swings last season, which was third-best in MLB behind just Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Staying healthy is the key for Nootbaar as he’s been on the IL five times in the past two seasons. Much like with Gorman, the Cards have a lot riding on a big bounce-back season from Walker, who is still loaded with talent and potential despite two rocky MLB seasons.

DH (1): Alec Burleson

When Spring Training started in 2024, Burleson looked like he might get squeezed out because of a lack of opportunities. However, injuries to three outfielders opened chances for Burleson, who evolved into one of the feel-good stories of the season.

Bench/Utility (5): Luken Baker, Matt Koperniak, Nolan Gorman, Pedro Pagés, Jose Barrero

Baker, who proved himself to be an adept pinch-hitter and DH late last season, has slugged his way onto the roster with three home runs in Spring Training. Koperniak has also impressed with his glove and bat and could push for everyday reps. Barrero will serve in the super-utility role as a backup at shortstop and in the outfield.

Starting pitchers (5): Sonny Gray, Andre Pallante, Erick Fedde, Steven Matz, Miles Mikolas

Gray chose to stay in St. Louis rather than ask for a trade, and he is the unquestioned ace. The Cards are hoping for big things from reliever-turned-starter Pallante, who allowed three or fewer earned runs in 15 of his 20 starts last season. Matz and Mikolas might need bounce-back seasons to stay in MLB.

Relief pitchers (8): Ryan Helsley, JoJo Romero, Ryan Fernandez, Matthew Liberatore, John King, Chris Roycroft, Gordon Graceffo, Riley O'Brien

Helsley authored the greatest season by a reliever in the rich history of the Cardinals in 2024, but how long will he remain with the club with free agency looming? Liberatore and Romero must fill the high-leverage innings manned by Andrew Kittredge in 2024.