St. Louis Cardinals have Nolan Gorman question
Nolan Gorman has been on fire at Double-A over the past week. The St. Louis Cardinals‘ top prospect has seven homers and 12 RBI over his past five games, including a three home run barrage on Saturday. Based on his recent output, Gorman may not be long for the Springfield Cardinals.
Even though his power has begun to manifest over the past week, Gorman has still put together a solid start to his season. Entering Sunday, he has a .328/.401/.588 batting line in 147 plate appearances, hitting ten homers and four doubles. Even more impressive, Gorman has cut his strikeout rate, as he has just 32 strikeouts with 16 walks.
St. Louis Cardinals have decision to make with Nolan Gorman
While Gorman is impressing and appears to be on his way to the majors, there is one major obstacle in the way. The Cardinals had traded for Nolan Arenado during the past offseason, blocking Gorman at third base.
Revisting the Nolan Arenado trade. light. More Cardinals
The Cardinals are attempting to work around that problem by getting Gorman work at second base. It is a position of need in their system; none of their top prospects are second basemen, although Tommy Edman has been solid at the position at the major league level. However, the Cardinals may look to have Edman return to his super utility role or take over at short going forward.
Gorman has received nine games at second thus far in 2021, his total experience at the position. Based on the metrics, he has fared reasonably well, showing respectable range. He will be a work in progress defensively, as he will need to work on his footwork and turning double plays, which could keep him in the minors for longer.
But this is a luxury that the Cardinals can afford. Edman has been solid at second, and third base has the Platinum Glove winning Arenado. The Cardinals can take their time to find the right fit for Gorman defensively. It is a decision that they will need to make soon, whether that involves his remaining at second or moving to a corner outfield spot.
Martinez has historically awful start. dark. Next
Nolan Gorman is on fire at Double-A. However, his ascension to the majors may be slowed while the St. Louis Cardinals find a spot for him defensively.