Recommendations for Nolan Gorman’s Future With Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are advised to pursue a trade for third baseman Nolan Gorman rather than releasing him before the 2027 season, according to a report by Sports Illustrated. The publication argues that seeking a trade partner is more advantageous for the organization than letting the player go in free agency.
Gorman has two additional seasons of team control remaining with St. Louis. MLB Trade Rumors projects his arbitration salary for the upcoming winter at approximately $3.4 million. The report suggests the Cardinals should tender Gorman a contract and then actively look for a trade partner, noting that acquiring even a lower-level prospect gamble would be preferable to allowing him to enter the open market.
Gorman, who is 26 years old, could potentially sign a minor league deal with another team if he becomes available as a free agent. The recommendation implies that retaining his contractual rights provides the Cardinals with leverage they would otherwise lose.
Performance Metrics and Career Statistics
The advice to trade Gorman stems from his recent offensive output. According to Sports Illustrated, Gorman has not finished a season with a batting average above .205 since 2023. During the 2026 season, he recorded a .184 batting average over 85 games, marking the lowest mark of his career to that point.
Power production has also been limited throughout his tenure in Major League Baseball. Gorman has topped 20 home runs just once in his five-year career. That single instance occurred in 2023, when he hit 27 home runs and recorded 76 runs batted in during 119 games.
Internal and External Options at Third Base
The report indicates that the Cardinals have internal alternatives at third base. These options include Thomas Saggese and Blaze Jordan. The organization also has external options to consider this winter as it evaluates its roster construction ahead of the 2027 season.