Cardinals: Paul DeJong’s future fully depends on Nolan Gorman

Paul DeJong’s future with the St. Louis Cardinals all depends on how rookie Nolan Gorman performs in the majors.

The St. Louis Cardinals gave Paul DeJong another shot at being their starting shortstop for the foreseeable future for the beginning of the 2022 season. After 24 games, the Cardinals optioned DeJong to Triple A. The Cardinals then switched Tommy Edman to shortstop and called up No. 2 prospect Nolan Gorman to play second.

So what does the future hold for DeJong? Well, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post Dispatch wrote in his question and answer article, DeJong’s future depends on how Gorman performs in the majors.

Paul DeJong’s future with Cardinals depends on Nolan Gorman

“For DeJong to be a trade candidate — he is on a fairly substantial contract — he would have to do better at Memphis than he’s doing. DeJong’s future depends on Nolan Gorman. If Gorman proves that he is ready, DeJong likely doesn’t figure into the club’s plans unless the Cardinals want him as an expensive utility infielder.”

To say DeJong struggled at the start of the season has ben an understatement. The shortstop slashed .130/.209/.208 while recording one home run, seven RBI ad 10 hits. But how is he doing in Triple A?

As of May 24, DeJong has played nine games with the Memphis Redbirds. In that span, he has recorded a .189 batting average, a .487 OPS, four RBI, five runs scored and seven hits.

Gorman made his MLB debut on May 20 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and recorded his first MLB hit. In the following two games, Gorman picked up a double in each game, and recorded his first RBI on May 22.

DeJong would really have to improve his game to be considered a trade candidate. I fnot, he could very well be released from the team altogether. But as of now, it is still too early to tell what the future holds for DeJong.