The St. Louis Cardinals’ offense has underperformed by their usual standards in 2025. With just one month left in the season, many players are essentially auditioning for spots on the 2026 roster. A significant shake-up is expected in the offseason, especially with Chaim Bloom stepping in as the new president of baseball operations.
Several key players have already been dealt, and more trades are likely this winter. Among the names drawing attention is Nolan Gorman, whose future with the team remains uncertain.
Writer Advocates for Gorman to Stay in St. Louis
Benjamin Hochman of the *St. Louis Post-Dispatch* argues that the Cardinals should keep Nolan Gorman moving forward.
“Just two years ago, Gorman hit 27 home runs and posted a 5.8% home run rate over 464 plate appearances. Had he qualified, that rate would’ve ranked seventh in the National League,” Hochman noted. “In 2024, he still managed 19 home runs with a 4.7% rate — good enough for 11th in the NL if qualified.”
Despite a .213 average in 2025, Gorman has hit 13 homers in 93 games and has a .719 OPS. He continues to struggle against left-handed pitching, but overall he’s been a slightly above-average hitter in his career (103 OPS+). While his defense remains a work in progress, Gorman offers flexibility in the infield and has shown modest gains in plate discipline.
As trade rumors swirl heading into the offseason, Gorman’s name is expected to come up often. However, Hochman suggests that Bloom should give him a full season to find his form again — similar to his impressive 2023 performance.
Given that the Cardinals aren’t projected to be contenders in the NL Central next year, allowing Gorman to develop further could be a worthwhile move.