Budding Young Star Has Been Bright Spot In Otherwise Dreary Season For Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals may be struggling to open the 2023 season, but that doesn't mean there hasn't been any bright spots. 

St. Louis is 10-21 through 31 games and already is 10 games behind the National League Central-leading Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cardinals won 93 games in 2022 and returned much of the same roster, but have struggled to open the season with pitching being one of the club's biggest issues. 

Although there have been plenty of negatives so far this season for the Cardinals, there still have been some positives. One of the biggest bright spots for St. Louis so far this season without a doubt has been young infielder and designated hitter Nolan Gorman. 

The 22-year-old has been one of the club's most dominant offensive players so far this season and has slashed .277/.361/.553 in 27 games. Gorman currently is leading the Cardinals in home runs with seven, RBIs with 23, and OPS at .914. The young slugger is in his second season and clearly has taken a major step forward. 

Gorman played in just 89 games in 2022 and slashed .226/.300/.420 to go along with 14 home runs and 35 RBIs. The 22-year-old also chipped in 13 doubles, 28 walks, and 44 runs scored. The 2018 first-round draft pick has provided the Cardinals plenty of flexibility this season, as well, seeing time as the club's designated hitter, at second base, and also at third base. 

Although the Cardinals have struggled so far this season, there is reason to have hope. The starting rotation should begin to improve shortly with former All-Star Adam Wainwright set to return and the offense has shown some life. St. Louis may be in last place in the National League Central, but there still is plenty of baseball left to be played and Gorman surely will play a major role moving forward. 

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