With 2nd game-winning knock of the spring, Ledbetter making his mark in new org

JUPITER, Fla. -- Outfielder Colton Ledbetter will not be on the Cardinals’ Opening Day roster on March 26, but that hasn’t stopped him from living the dream during Spring Training.

Ledbetter already has two game-winning hits during the exhibition season, the most recent came on Friday in a 5-4 victory over the Astros at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. In the bottom of the ninth inning, with two outs, runners on second and third and St. Louis down, 4-3, Ledbetter swung at the first pitch from right-hander Amos Lawrence and ripped a two-run single to center field, ending the game.

“Luckily, I’ve [had that] opportunity a lot, especially last year in Double-A," Ledbetter said. "I kind of know how to go about it, not letting the moment get too big -- and [I realize] it’s the same game. I’m making sure I’m getting my swing off. Same with my plan.”

Ledbetter, who has spent most of the exhibition season in Minor League camp, didn’t know he was playing against the Astros until he checked the organization's app the previous night. He saw his name on the Major League roster and was excited to say the least. He had had a tough time sleeping, realizing he was getting another chance to appear in The Show.

“I said, 'Heck yeah. That’s awesome. A night game [at that],'” Ledbetter recalled.

Before the game, Ledbetter tried to get pointers from teammates like Richard Fitts and Victor Scott II, who already have experience in the big leagues. For example, he leaned on Scott on how to position himself in the outfield.

“It was more of just knowing what to do and how to communicate [on the field],” Ledbetter said. “He was like, ‘Hey you have to cut this ball off and I will get behind you.’ Just the little small things.”

Ledbetter is new to the Cardinals organization. Early last month, he was acquired from the Rays in a three-team trade that sent infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan to the Mariners. Ledbetter’s future appears to be as a leadoff hitter. He spent all of 2025 with Double-A Montgomery, where he slashed .265/.337/.378 with 37 stolen bases.

Ledbetter was already in Rays camp when he learned that he was being dealt to the Cardinals. In fact, he was on his way home after a golf outing when he learned about the trade through Rays assistant general manager Kevin Ibach.

“[Ibach] told me everything that was happening, just to be ready,” Ledbetter remembered.

Today, he is a member of the Cardinals and hopes to get more big league experience.

“The Cardinals are great," Ledbetter said. "The staff and teammates are so welcoming. I’m trying to learn everyone’s name, which is hard. Really great people here.”