It feels like a familiar storyline, but 2026 could represent the last real opportunity for Nolan Gorman to prove he belongs in the Cardinals’ long-term plans at least without a clear turnaround.
Gorman’s 2025 campaign was uneven and did little to solidify his standing. A strong summer stretch briefly hinted at a breakout, but prolonged struggles returned late in the year. He finished with a .205/.296/.370 line, 14 home runs in 402 plate appearances, and an 88 wRC+, barely an improvement from his rough 2024. His -0.2 fWAR marked the lowest of his career. Still, given the Cardinals’ current roster makeup, he’s likely to receive more chances.
How steady those opportunities are will depend entirely on performance. If Brendan Donovan is dealt, Gorman could step into more regular time at third base. If not, he may find himself battling for at-bats at designated hitter while filling in around the infield when needed.
From the club’s perspective, it makes sense to keep evaluating Gorman, especially since his raw power remains a unique asset on the roster.
Power keeps Gorman in the picture
Home-run ability has always defined Gorman’s game. Despite recent downturns, he has 74 career homers in just over 1,500 plate appearances, and his power still gives him a chance to impact games quickly.
His 2023 season serves as the reminder of that upside. In his first full MLB year, he hit 27 home runs with a strong home-run-to-fly-ball rate and above-average production metrics across the board. Underlying data supported that output, showing he wasn’t simply riding luck.
The issue, as always, is swing-and-miss. Even during his best season, his strikeout rate was among the highest in baseball. That problem worsened in 2024 before improving slightly in 2025, but it remains the biggest hurdle between him and consistency.
Cardinals still searching for power sources
Beyond Gorman, the Cardinals don’t have many established big-time power threats. Ivan Herrera and Alec Burleson bring pop but profile more as mid-range home run hitters. Jordan Walker has upside but remains a work in progress. Top prospect JJ Wetherholt projects more for overall hitting than elite slugging.
There are power-oriented prospects in the pipeline, but relying on them soon would be risky. A rebound from Gorman or Walker would ease that pressure considerably, though confidence in that happening right away is cautious at best.
Gorman is expected to receive real playing time early in 2026, largely because of his power potential. However, that alone won’t secure his role. If other players stay healthy and productive, Gorman will need results and quickly to hold onto regular at-bats.
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