Cardinals' Gorman Finds Hitting Groove After Offseason Work

Third baseman Nolan Gorman credits work with hitting guru for his strong spring training performance

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:56pm

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Cardinals third baseman Nolan Gorman struggled mightily at the plate in 2025, but he has turned things around this spring thanks to the work he put in during the offseason. Gorman went to see a hitting coach recommended by former teammate Nolan Arenado and has found a better position for his front foot before swinging, leading to a hot start in spring training with just 5 strikeouts in 30 at-bats.

Why it matters

Gorman's breakout performance this spring is an encouraging sign for the Cardinals, who are hoping he can bounce back and regain the form that made him one of the top prospects in baseball. His ability to make adjustments and put in the work during the offseason shows his dedication to improving his game.

The details

After a dismal 2025 season where he hit just .205 with 136 strikeouts, Gorman went to work with a hitting coach recommended by former teammate Nolan Arenado. He spent two weeks in November working on getting his front foot in a better position before swinging, and the results have been evident in spring training. Gorman has hit 3 home runs so far and has reached base in 6 straight plate appearances, including hitting for the cycle in one game.

  • Gorman went to work with the hitting coach from November 3-15, 2025.
  • The 2025 season ended for Gorman and the Cardinals in Chicago.

The players

Nolan Gorman

Cardinals third baseman who struggled mightily at the plate in 2025 but has turned things around this spring training.

Nolan Arenado

Former Cardinals teammate who recommended the hitting coach that Gorman worked with in the offseason.

Oliver Marmol

Cardinals manager who has been pleased with the adjustments Gorman has made and his strong performance so far in spring training.

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What they’re saying

“It's a testament of what I did this offseason. It's hard to get those reps in the offseason [when it comes to getting] at-bats. I've been able to come to Spring Training and feel it out. It feels good. I think a lot of work I did in the offseason is coming through.”

— Nolan Gorman (mlb.com)

“He is doing a nice job. His approach is there. His swing is there. The adjustments are coming into play. That's what you like to see. We talk about someone going into the offseason knowing what they have to do, coming back and actually putting it into action. He has done that. … I'm glad we actually have a little more time [in Florida] to allow him to get in that groove and feel really good about it.”

— Oliver Marmol, Cardinals Manager (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Cardinals will continue to monitor Gorman's progress throughout the remainder of spring training as he looks to carry his hot start into the regular season.

The takeaway

Gorman's offseason work with a hitting coach has paid dividends so far this spring, providing hope that he can bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and regain his status as one of the top young talents in baseball. His ability to make adjustments and put in the necessary work is a positive sign for the Cardinals as they look to contend in 2026.