Nolan Gorman Placed on IL Amid 2024 Struggles
The St. Louis Cardinals have officially placed Nolan Gorman on the 10-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain. But hold up. Before you sound the alarms, this move is more strategy than emergency.
According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Cardinals aren’t sweating the injury. Gorman should not miss much time. In fact, the move is retroactive to April 2. The decision had more to do with Cardinals roster moves and a lack of infield depth than with panic over Gorman’s leg. Woo reports the team wasn’t comfortable running short-handed for the next few games, so in comes Thomas Saggese who was recalled to serve as bench depth.
Do any Cardinals use a ‘Torpedo Bat?’
But what about Gorman’s 2024 season? It was, well, bumpy. In 107 games, he slashed .203/.271/.400 with 19 home runs. Not terrible power numbers, but in terms of overall production, let’s call it what it is: a disappointing campaign. And in a year when the Cardinals quasi-rebuild is already in motion, Gorman’s performance is under the microscope.
So the real question fans and front-office folks are chewing on right now is this: Is Nolan Gorman part of the Cardinals’ future?
It’s Complicated
Two years ago, the answer was easy—yes, absolutely, no doubt. But now? It’s complicated.
The former top prospect made his MLB debut in 2022 and flashed some serious pop. Then came 2023, a kind-of breakout year with 27 homers and an .805 OPS. Still, there were cracks—low batting average, some OBP issues, and now injury concerns.
Here’s the kicker: Gorman is under team control through 2028. So the Cardinals front office doesn’t have to rush a decision. They can be patient.
But patience only goes so far in Major League Baseball. Gorman needs to bounce back, not just physically, but at the plate. If he doesn’t perform, the whispers will grow louder.
Could Nolan Gorman trade rumors be next?
Make no mistake, the St. Louis Cardinals aren’t throwing in the towel on him just yet. But with a youth movement underway and roster spots getting competitive, Gorman’s audition for long-term relevance starts the moment he’s off the IL.
So stay tuned, Cardinal Nation. Nolan Gorman’s next few months might just decide whether he’s a long-term staple at Busch Stadium… or the next big piece on the trading block.
