The St. Louis Cardinals enter spring training with several key positions up for grabs following trades involving Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan, and Willson Contreras. Among the players poised to benefit is Nolan Gorman, who now has the chance to secure the everyday third baseman role. As the team looks toward its rebuilding efforts, significant expectations rest on Gorman in 2026.
Nolan Gorman’s 2026 Season Will Define His Future with the Team
Will Leitch of MLB.com has identified the 25-year-old Gorman as one of five Cardinals players whose performance this year will be essential to shaping the club’s next core nucleus. Gorman’s power is evident, but sustaining consistent contact remains a challenge. Leitch noted,
“Gorman has thunder in his bat, but that requires the bat actually hitting the ball. Going the opposite way more would help tremendously, which is why his first at-bat of the spring, an opposite-field homer, was so encouraging. The Cardinals still have three more years of team control over Gorman, but if he regresses for a third straight year, they will likely be out of patience.”
Performance Challenges and Growth Potential for Gorman
In 2025, Gorman managed 14 home runs despite serving mostly as a backup infielder, though his batting average and on-base percentages were underwhelming, with a slash line of .205/.296/.370 and a .666 OPS. His tendency to strike out frequently has been a point of concern, especially as he competes for a starting role.
Earlier in his Cardinals tenure, Gorman had promising campaigns in 2022 and 2023 that showcased his power-hitting potential. However, his production began to decline in 2024, raising questions about his ability to maintain consistency at the major league level. With the third base spot now open, 2026 represents a critical opportunity for Gorman to prove he can thrive as an everyday player.
Team Outlook and Expectations for Gorman’s Role
Gorman’s status as a left-handed hitter aligns well with the Cardinals’ depth in left-handed bats, but the organization is expected to be selective about who fills key roles moving forward. Staying healthy and regaining the power output from his earlier seasons will be essential if Gorman aims to secure a long-term place in the lineup.
Another promising talent, JJ Wetherholt, is also poised to make an impact, potentially adding pressure on Gorman to deliver consistent results. Should Gorman meet these challenges, the Cardinals’ offensive lineup could become significantly more formidable in 2026.
Implications if Gorman Fails to Meet Expectations
Failure to improve could lead to the Cardinals losing patience, with the organization possibly seeking trade partners interested in acquiring Gorman. The team may aim to clear roster space to give other emerging players a chance as they continue to define their future core. Given the stakes, this season serves as a pivotal moment in determining Gorman’s trajectory with the Cardinals.
