Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I think the St. Louis Cardinals have reached the point where they need to stop doing the same thing with Nolan Gorman while expecting something different than what we’ve seen for the past three seasons, but what should that thing be?
If you look at Nolan Gorman’s numbers from 2023 moving forward, you see a downward trend in both power and average. From 27 home runs in 2023 to 19 in 2024 and 14 in 2025, it’s the same story
when it comes to Nolan’s batting average. A non-spectacular .236 in 2023 to .203 in 2024 and .205 in 2025 and now below the Mendoza line at .199 in 2026 so far, push has now come to shove. You can dive as deep as you want into exit velocity, hard hit rate and numerous other metrics, but the bottom line is Nolan needs a career correction at this point.
What are the Cardinals Nolan Gorman options?
My understanding is that Nolan Gorman is out of minor league options. To remove him from the Major League roster, he’d have to be designated for assignment or the Cardinals would need to trade him. As much as it pains me to say it, I think the latter option is the best thing the St. Louis Cardinals could do for their roster and for Nolan Gorman, too. I think he’s become a player who would benefit most from a change of scenery to try and achieve his potential elsewhere.
What would Nolan Gorman’s trade value be?
It’s hard to imagine the St. Louis Cardinals getting much in return for Nolan Gorman at this point, but he’s not without value. I could see the team attempting a “struggling-bat-for-struggling-arm” challenge trade or a low-leverage, mid-tier relief option. Exchange Nolan for another team’s “change of scenery” candidate might not be the worst thing. I could also imagine if St. Louis hangs onto Gorman until we get closer to the trade deadline that he could be an addition to a trade package where he’s not the centerpiece, but a lottery pick type of addition for a team willing to take a chance that his high power ceiling might reappear. If there’s a team that needs temporary help at third base due to an injury, perhaps there’s a way to harvest some value for Nolan.
Who would replace Nolan Gorman on the roster even if the St. Louis Cardinals can find a trade partner?
I’ve heard many say it’s time to call up Blaze Jordan, but I’ve seen reports saying his range at third base is limited and that’s he’s viewed as more of a first baseman long-term. Jose Fermin has only played 5 major league games at third base while Thomas Saggese has logged 18 games at third. This has been part of the valid argument that has kept Nolan Gorman making consistent lineup appearances. There isn’t a 100% solid answer of who would take his place.
I think the time has come for the St. Louis Cardinals to do something different regarding Nolan Gorman. I’d rather see a platoon situation with multiple players like Fermin or Saggese taking care of third until the team has a better option. We wanted the 2026 season to let us know where the Cardinals needs are and it’s now clear third base is one of those needs. For the record, I want to see Nolan Gorman succeed, but I’m now convinced his best chance to do that is with a different uniform. It’s time to see if we can find a trade partner to make that happen. I believe that’s the best thing that could happen to the St. Louis Cardinals and Nolan Gorman.
