April 27, 2025 KDA SPORTS
Nolan Arenado, widely considered a future Hall of Famer, entered spring training this year surrounded by questions about his future. Coming off his worst offensive performance since his rookie year in 2013, Arenado posted a .272/.325/.394 line with 16 home runs in 152 games in 2024. He also failed to win a Gold Glove for the second consecutive season after dominating defensively in his first decade in the majors.
At 34, there were concerns that Arenado was nearing the end of his career, especially after an unsettled offseason. Frustrated by the St. Louis Cardinals’ decision to enter a “reset” mode and give younger players more opportunities, Arenado even requested a trade. He was also disappointed when the Cardinals allowed first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to join the New York Yankees without making a contract offer.
The offseason saw the Cardinals make only one significant acquisition—reliever Phil Maton—and in December, they negotiated a trade deal with the Houston Astros involving Arenado. However, Arenado used his no-trade clause to block the move.
But as the 2025 season has unfolded, the questions surrounding Arenado have quieted. Through 25 games, he has posted a solid .266/.367/.447 line with eight doubles, three home runs, and 14 walks. More importantly, his defense has returned to its Gold Glove form, with Arenado making several impressive plays at third base.
“He’s made some really nice plays to start the year,” said Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. “He’s showing the Nolan we expect at third base.”
Arenado’s all-around performance has been a boost for the Cardinals, and his walk-off home run in a recent 6-5 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers highlighted his importance to the team. Marmol praised Arenado, saying, “Hall of Famer for a reason. He’s one of the best at it on both sides of
the baseball.”
requesting a trade from the Colorado Rockies following the 2020 season, Arenado finds himself in a familiar situation. The Rockies, still far from postseason contention, have struggled to start the 2025 season, while the Cardinals—despite strong offensive numbers—have faltered with a 12-15 record due to poor pitching.
With the Cardinals once again falling short of postseason expectations, Arenado has emerged as a potential trade candidate before the July 31 deadline. The team could look to deal him for younger pitchers, and they have a potential replacement in Nolan Gorman, who hit 27 home runs in 2023.
Arenado has three years and $74 million remaining on his contract, and while the Rockies are contributing $10 million of that, the Cardinals may need to include more money to facilitate any trade. But with Arenado’s strong performance, he could help a team in a pennant race.
For now, Arenado’s focus remains on helping the Cardinals win. “Mentally, I feel like I’m in a stronger place,” he said. “I’m blocking out the uncontrollables and focusing on doing my job.”
