Paul DeJong’s future depends entirely on Nolan Gorman

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

That St. Louis Cardinals gave Paul DeJong another chance to be her starting shortstop for the foreseeable future as the 2022 season begins. After 24 games, the Cardinals selected DeJong to Triple A. The Cardinals then traded Tommy Edman to shortstop and Nolan Gorman, prospect #2, called him second.

What does the future hold for DeJong? Spring, 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 commercial candidate — he’s got a pretty substantial contract — he’d have to do better than he does in Memphis. DeJong’s future depends on Nolan Gorman. If Gorman proves he’s ready, DeJong likely won’t feature in the club’s plans unless the Cardinals want him as an expensive utility infielder.”

To say DeJong struggled early in the season is an understatement. The shortstop shortened .130/.209/.208 while recording a home run, seven RBI and 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 a .189 batting average, a .487 OPS, four RBI, five runs made and seven hits.

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

DeJong would really have to up his game to be considered as a trade contender. I mean, he could very well be fired from the team altogether. But at this point, it’s too early to tell what the future holds for DeJong.