Cardinals Expecting Big Year Out Of 'Scary' Slugger After Breakout 2023 Season

It sounds like the Cardinals are excited about one young slugger

St. Louis Cardinals fans should have hope right now. 

The Cardinals struggled last season, but that doesn't mean the team can't shine in 2024. St. Louis didn't live up to expectations and responded with some very intriguing additions this offseason.

St. Louis also could see steps forward from some of its intriguing core as well. One player who certainly fits this description is second baseman Nolan Gorman. 

The 23-year-old had a great 2023 season and clubbed 27 home runs to go along with 76 RBIs in 119 games played. It was only his second season seeing any time at the big league level and he was able to shine.

He's expected to see a larger role in 2024 and manager Oli Marmol certainly is expecting a lot out of him.

"These guys have a lot of skill," Marmol said. "And when you talk about Gorman, and the season we're expecting from him, and the way he's prepared this offseason to just get his body right to be in the lineup more often and just stay healthy. He's done some meaningful things to make sure that happens. We're expecting a big year out of him. This is a power bat that's scary when he's right and then you add (Lars Nootbaar) to that mix."

It's unclear whether Gorman will see the bulk of his time at second base or designated hitter but it's clear that he's going to get plenty of at-bats. If he can live up to expectations in 2024, St. Louis could be in a good spot.

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