The St. Louis Cardinals are coming off consecutive poor seasons. As the organization approaches 2025, they plan to reduce salaries and focus more on younger talent. The Cardinals have plenty of young potential, particularly on the field. The majority of their starters are homegrown, including utility player Brendan Donovan, outfielder Jordan Walker, and infielder Nolan Gorman. Heading into next season, Cardinals bench coach Daniel Descalso had some words of encouragement for Walker and Gorman, according to team beat reporter Benjamin Hochman on X, formerly Twitter.
“Cardinals bench coach Daniel Descalso on Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman: ‘If we’re being honest, Jordan needs to hit more line drives, and Nolan needs to make more contact.'” Consider the simplest form. They’re going to get the chance to accomplish that,” Hochman wrote on the social networking platform.
Descalso’s points of criticism are genuine, since both young hitters must develop by 2025. Gorman and Walker were both highly rated talents at one point, but both has faced challenges since reaching the majors. Making modifications like those proposed by Descalso should only help them fulfill their promise in the minors. Normally, criticism is not made public, but in this situation, it is justified. Young players like Walker and Gorman must step up in 2025 if the Cardinals are to regain contention. Can they do this? For now, the verdict is still out.
Cardinals look to improve in 2025, beyond
The team’s first baseman, Paul Goldschmidt, left in free agency. President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak is still trying to reduce payroll, with a focus on dealing long-time third baseman Nolan Arenado. It’s possible that the former Colorado Rockies standout will still be on the team come Opening Day, but it won’t be for lack of effort. They are also allegedly interested in trading starting pitchers Steven Matz and Sonny Gray. So, in an area where the organization is seeking to save money, seeing youngsters like Walker and Gorman advance in their development would be a fantastic turn of events.
However, Descalso’s comments may impede that progress. Some players are sensitive to criticism, particularly when it is delivered in public. As spring training approaches, the Cardinals and their supporters will see how far the young duo has progressed. Will Gorman and Walker be ready to become stars in 2025? If they can, they should make improvements on a daily basis at Busch Stadium.
