Cardinals Slugger's Future in St. Louis Uncertain

Nolan Gorman faces make-or-break season as Cardinals rebuild

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The St. Louis Cardinals have questions to answer as spring training approaches, with young players like Nolan Gorman needing to prove themselves. Gorman, once a top prospect, has struggled to match his power potential at the MLB level, posting a .669 OPS since 2024 with a high strikeout rate. With increased playing time in 2026 due to the departures of Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan, it's now or never for Gorman to show he can be the power threat the Cardinals hoped for.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are in a rebuilding phase, and Gorman's development is crucial to their future success. If he can harness his power and make more consistent contact, he could provide a much-needed boost to the team's depleted lineup. However, if he continues to struggle, it could raise questions about his long-term role with the organization.

The details

Gorman was once considered one of the top prospects in the Cardinals' system due to his power from the left side of the plate. However, he has not been able to translate that power to the big league level, posting a .669 OPS since the start of 2024 with a 35.7% strikeout rate. Despite hitting 14 home runs last year, he struggled overall, batting just .205/.296/.370. With increased playing time in 2026 due to the departures of Arenado and Donovan, Gorman has a chance to prove himself and solidify his future in St. Louis.

  • Gorman recorded 27 home runs and an .806 OPS in 2023.
  • Since the start of 2024, Gorman has logged a .669 OPS over 804 plate appearances.

The players

Nolan Gorman

A left-handed hitting third baseman who was once considered one of the top prospects in the Cardinals' organization due to his power potential, but has struggled to translate that to the big league level.

Nolan Arenado

A former Cardinals third baseman who was traded away, leaving more playing time for Gorman in 2026.

Brendan Donovan

A former Cardinals player who was also traded away, creating more opportunities for Gorman in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“After recording 27 home runs and an .806 OPS in 2023, the lefty-swinging Gorman has logged a .669 OPS since the start of 2024, a span of 804 plate appearances. And that has been paired with an unsightly 35.7% K rate and poor grades on defense. Like with Walker, Gorman's inability to make contact on a consistent basis could make for a nebulous future in St. Louis.”

— Brian Murphy, MLB.com writer (MLB.com)

What’s next

If Gorman can stay healthy and take advantage of his increased playing time in 2026, there is a chance he could finally become the power threat the Cardinals have hoped he would become at the start of his career.

The takeaway

Nolan Gorman's development is crucial for the Cardinals as they rebuild their lineup. If he can harness his power potential and make more consistent contact, he could provide a much-needed boost. However, if he continues to struggle, it could jeopardize his long-term future with the organization.