Cardinal Baseball Makes Questionable Decision in Signing Nolan Gorman
Loosen the Reins on Gorman? Not So Fast, Cardinals!
The Cardinals are skidding in 2025, and it's no surprise they're utilizing this transition year to test the waters for up-and-coming talent like Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker. But let's talk about Gorman, who might be a questionable candidate for extended playing time this season.
Give Saggese a Spotlight, Cardinals!
I've been scratching my head since the Cardinals sent down the red-hot Thomas Saggese, despite his scorching start. All he's done is put up numbers, yet the Cardinals send him down to play every day, something he could easily do in the majors.
But why can't Saggese get major-league playing time? Because of Gorman, who hasn't impressed much this season. After a strong opening series, Gorman hasn't lived up to expectations.
By the end of Thursday's series against the Reds, Gorman was batting a mere .189 with a dismal .297 on-base percentage, .340 slugging, and a weak .636 OPS. One home run, eight RBIs, and a forgettable .636 OPS—not exactly stats that inspire confidence.
Now, don't get me wrong. Gorman's got talent and potential in spades. He's not a bad player by any means. However, I can't shake the feeling that he might follow the same fate as Dylan Carlson and flame out within the organization.
I understand the Cardinals' desire to give him runway in this season of transition. Still, his struggles at the plate demand a second look. And in my opinion, he shouldn't be getting playing time over Saggese.
Time for Results, Cardinals!
It's just a matter of time before the Cardinals demand results, even in a transitional season. They're not getting them from Gorman. But they are getting them from Saggese. So while I get that Gorman needs runway, so too does Saggeson.
Saggese owns Gorman in almost every offensive category. He's hitting an impressive .341 with an on-base percentage of .364, slugging .512, and posting a robust .876 OPS. He's simply hitting too well to stay in the minors while Gorman struggles at the plate.
I wouldn't be shocked if Gorman turns things around and peaks soon. He's certainly got the talent to do just that. But if he can't find his stroke soon, it might be time for a swap—Gorman to Memphis and Saggese to St. Louis.
And it gets worse. Other players, like Alec Burleson, can't seem to get a fair shot with Gorman blocking the way. Despite some struggles, Burleson's hitting a respectable .259, with more promise than Gorman, in my book. Here's hoping the Cardinals start making changes before it's too late!
Gorman's struggles, combined with Saggese's impressive numbers in the minors, might prompt the Cardinals to consider a switch. In sharp contrast to Gorman's underperformance, Saggese boasts a .341 batting average, a .876 OPS, and is outperforming Gorman in almost every offensive category, calling for a reconsideration of his major-league playing time.
