The St. Louis Cardinals are giving young talents like Jordan Walker, Nolan Gorman, and others ample opportunity to grow this season. With the front office acknowledging that a deep playoff run—let alone a division title—is unlikely, the team’s focus has shifted to player development. Fans are being encouraged to view this year as a chance to see future core pieces evolve, starting with Walker, Gorman, Masyn Winn, and more, under the guidance of manager Oli Marmol.
Part of that developmental approach involves a firm, honest coaching style. Marmol, known for his player development skills, hasn’t shied away from being candid. Despite both Walker and Gorman struggling offensively, hitting below the Mendoza line, Marmol made it clear they’re being given time to work through their challenges.
“There’s runway in the sense of allowing them to fail,” Marmol told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “We entered the season knowing this would be a different kind of year, and we don’t want them constantly worried that one bad night at the plate means a trip back to Memphis.”
Oli Marmol fails to support Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman amid Cardinals struggles
For once, we actually agree with Marmol’s overall strategy. The Cardinals need to let their young players develop without constantly feeling like they’re on the chopping block. Realistically, St. Louis isn’t in the playoff mix this year unless everything unexpectedly goes their way. So why jeopardize the future by making rash decisions?
However, Marmol loses us — and possibly some of his clubhouse — with this statement:
“But that runway is also not forever. You’re gauging is how they’re responding to the failure,” he said.
He’s not entirely wrong, but was that comment really necessary? Putting added pressure on two players still in their early 20s as they adjust to Major League pitching could do more harm than good. Marmol has a tendency to address internal issues through the media instead of handling them privately. Whether or not there’s tension behind the scenes, a manager is usually better off keeping these matters in-house.
Walker and Gorman clearly need to improve if they want to stick as everyday big leaguers — but they don’t need a public reminder of that. Marmol came close to striking the right tone, but ultimately, he missed the mark.