The St. Louis Cardinals' third base woes persist, despite a recent offensive surge. Nolan Gorman, a left-handed hitter, has been a major disappointment, failing to improve his hitting despite a strong defensive performance early in the year. With over 1,800 plate appearances at the big league level, Gorman's struggles are hard to justify, especially with other options available. The Cardinals have several routes to address this issue, each with its own risks and rewards.
Route 1: In-House Solutions
- Ramon Urias: A veteran option with a solid defense and a 103 wRC+ career average, Urias is a reliable choice. However, his recent setback and lack of above-average performance since 2024 make him a cautious pick.
- Bryan Torres: Recently recalled, Torres has experience at multiple positions but hasn't played third base in years. He could be a short-term solution against right-handed pitching, but his limited third base experience is a concern.
- Jose Fermin: With a hot bat and versatility, Fermin is a valuable asset. His lack of consistent opportunities and lack of options make him a potential long-term solution at third base.
Route 2: Minor League Prospects
- Thomas Saggese: Struggling in Triple-A, Saggese needs to regain his form to become a viable option. His previous success in Double-A and the potential for daily at-bats in Memphis make him a promising prospect.
- Blaze Jordan: A fan favorite, Jordan has impressed in Triple-A but is unlikely to be called up to third base soon. The organization views him as a 1B/DH, and his defensive questions at third base are a concern.
- Cesar Prieto: A poor start to the season and negative fWAR make Prieto a less likely candidate. His defensive struggles and lack of production are significant drawbacks.
- Ramon Mendoza: A sneaky option, Mendoza's Rule 5 eligibility and strong performance in Double-A make him a potential future choice, but he may not be an immediate solution.
Route 3: Trade Market
- Royce Lewis (Twins): A buy-low candidate with high upside, Lewis has struggled with injuries and consistency. The Twins' rebuilding status and his potential to recapture elite form make him an intriguing trade option.
- Isaac Paredes (Astros): With a strong track record and a potential club option, Paredes is an impact right-handed bat. However, his rental nature and the Astros' selling status make him a short-term fix.
