Un satisfactory defensive play by Nolan Gorman is adversely affecting the St. Louis Cardinals
Struggling Gorman's Defense Hampers Cardinals' Wild Card Hopes
The St. Louis Cardinals are currently facing a significant challenge in their pursuit of a Wild Card spot, with third baseman Nolan Gorman's defensive struggles at the hot corner playing a notable role.
Gorman, who was originally developed as a third baseman, has taken over the position in the absence of Nolan Arenado, who is currently on the injured list due to a shoulder injury. However, Gorman's limited major league experience at the position (only about 265 total innings) and his recent defensive miscues have put pressure on the team's playoff aspirations.
Gorman's errors at third base have been primarily throwing miscues, and his poor defense has forced the Cardinals to also use Thomas Saggese there. The team is currently without a reliable third baseman, a crucial position in baseball, and this lack of consistency has created a notable liability.
Arenado, a multiple Gold Glove winner known for his elite defense, is expected to be a key figure once healthy again. His absence is being felt, as fans and the team miss his defensive presence. The Cardinals' management is balancing between developing younger players like Gorman and Saggese and competing for a playoff spot, with an emphasis on improving Gorman's lateral movement and overall defense in the final stretch of the season.
Offensively, Gorman has shown some power and improvements at the plate in August 2025, with a higher walk rate and better strikeout management. However, these gains are overshadowed by his defensive issues. Given the importance of solid defense at third base, especially in tight postseason races, his struggles are a handicap for the Cardinals' Wild Card push.
The Cardinals are striving for average defense at the third base position in Arenado's absence. Potential solutions include increasing Saggese's playing time at third to see if he can provide steadier defense, developing Gorman's defensive skills, considering positional shifts for other infielders or prospects to cover third base more effectively, relying on Arenado's elite defense once he returns, and evaluating trade or free agent options in the offseason if the defensive problems persist.
If Arenado's absence persists and Gorman cannot improve defensively, the Cardinals might explore trades, free agency, or positional shifts involving Brendan Donovan or top prospects like JJ Wetherholt to find a more reliable third baseman. Gorman's concerning defense at third base could scare some teams off due to the importance that most clubs place on the ability to play multiple positions.
In summary, Gorman’s defensive struggles at third base are a key weakness for the Cardinals in their 2025 Wild Card pursuit, and while there are paths to remediation, the urgency to address this positional issue remains high.
References:
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
- MLB.com
- The Athletic
- ESPN
- CBS Sports
Despite the offensive improvements shown by Nolan Gorman, his struggles in the field at third base remain a significant concern for the St. Louis Cardinals as they chase the MLB Wild Card. The team's current defense at third base, plagued by Gorman's throwing miscues, is a notable liability in tight postseason races, given the importance of solid defense at the position.
