The Cardinals have reached agreement on a bonus with first-round draft pick Nolan Gorman, per MLB.com’s Jim Callis (via Twitter). If and when the pact is finalized, the nineteenth overall draft pick will receive a full-slot bonus of $3,231,700.
Gorman, a high-school third baseman from Arizona, was widely ranked as one of the fifteen-best prospects entering the draft. His loudest tool is his power at the plate. And it’s not just projection; in Baseball America’s words, Gorman hits the ball “harder than almost anyone in the [draft] class.”
The draw of that pop led prospect hounds — as well as the Cards — to put a lofty draft grade on the left-handed-hitting slugger despite some questions. His pure hitting ability isn’t considered as advanced, though he has excelled against significant velocity. And though he’s said to carry a quality arm, there are plenty of questions as to whether he’ll stay at the hot corner in the long run.
Notably, multiple outlets — including BA and Fangraphs — observed that Gorman has become stiffer at the plate and in the field of late, adding to the worries. These concerns obviously weren’t that pressing, though, as the 18-year-old still landed in the middle of the first round. As ESPN.com’s Keith Law explained it, “if he hits enough just to get to the power, it won’t really matter where he plays” in the field.
Yes, I like this signing by the Cardinals. Welcome to the St Louis Cardinals.
The Cardinals keep looking for another young Pujols. There’s bound to be at least one out there somewhere. Maybe it’s Gorman, only time will tell
I think everyone is looking for the next Pujols but I get your point. Hopefully this kid turns out good.
The Cardinals are looking for the next Pujols. They’re putting more of a premium to draft impact position players right now.
Im glad they got him
Has a great pedigree surprised Cubs didn’t draft him. Has connections to Chicago I heard. His cousin plays at Kansas
Cubs didn’t have a chance to draft him. St. Louis selected him before the Cubs made their first pick.
Have to let the kid grow. He’s only 18 and just graduated high school. So there’s plenty of room for improvement.