"The Cardinals have more firmly committed to a retool than they did last offseason. They treated last season primarily as an evaluation year but weren't as aggressive in selling off veteran pieces as they've been this winter. Unfortunately, they didn't see any development from former first-round picks and top prospects Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman. They're in a similar position now as they were 12 months ago, though the pressure is probably ramping up on both players."
"MLBTR examined Walker's situation as the '25 season was nearing its end. He'll enter camp as the everyday right fielder but needs to take a major step forward if he's to project as a regular on the 2027 team. There might be even more urgency for Gorman, who is two years older than Walker and has more than 1500 major league plate appearances under his belt. He'll turn 26 in May. If there's a breakout season in the cards, it probably needs to be now."
The Cardinals have committed more firmly to a retool and have been more aggressive in selling veteran pieces this winter after using the prior season as an evaluation year. Former first-round picks Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman did not show development, leaving similar roster questions and increased pressure on both players. Walker will enter camp as the everyday right fielder but needs a major step forward to project as a 2027 regular. Gorman, two years older with more than 1,500 major-league plate appearances, faces heightened urgency. Third base is open after the Nolan Arenado deal, creating competition with Thomas Saggese while top prospect JJ Wetherholt and a possible Brendan Donovan trade could shift infield roles.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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