Nolan Gorman could start season with St. Louis Cardinals

Even after Tommy Edman’s strong season, top infield prospect Nolan Gorman could start season with St. Louis Cardinals.

Tommy Edman was much better than expected in 2021, winning a Gold Glove and effectively replacing Kolten Wong when few, if any, thought such a scenario was realistic for the St. Louis Cardinals.

And it’s possible that he may not start at second base for the Cardinals next season.

There is a chance that Nolan Gorman, the team’s top hitting prospect, starts the season with the Cardinals, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It remains possible, however, that Gorman spends a few weeks or a month in the minors before being called up. It all depends on his progress in spring training.

But that Gorman, 21, is already in consideration for a spot on the major-league roster indicates just how far he has come. After signing Nolan Arenado, Gorman started training at second base and Mozeliak says that he has been better than expected defensively.

Offensively, the Cardinals know what Gorman is capable of. He’s an impact bat and has the tools and potential to be the best hitter on the team in a few seasons. He has legitimate 40+ homer power. And he is more than capable of stepping in right away and being an upgrade over Edman, who had a .695 OPS this season.

Where Edman’s loss, at least at second base, could be felt is on the basepaths. He stole 30 bases, trailing only Trea Turner (32), and was second in the NL in doubles (41).

But calling up Gorman, and adding his bat to an already dangerous lineup, is worth it. And it will offer a glimpse of a future that the Cardinals have been salivating over since drafting him with the 19th pick in the 2018 draft.