Veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado is set to begin another season with the St. Louis Cardinals. After spending four years with the team, his future beyond that seemed uncertain this past offseason, despite having two years left on his contract. Many expected him to be elsewhere before his fifth season in St. Louis.
Throughout the winter, Arenado was heavily involved in trade speculation, as the Cardinals aimed to cut costs and transition into a rebuilding phase. The Houston Astros emerged as a serious suitor, with discussions between the two teams gaining traction. However, Arenado ultimately exercised his no-trade rights, halting any potential deal. Now, as he prepares for Opening Day, he does so with a team that openly explored moving him.
“At first, it felt a little strange,” Arenado admitted, as reported by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “But I also realized there’s only so much I can control. My focus was on getting ready for the season. Once I accepted that, I felt at peace. I’m here, and I’m happy to be here. My goal is to give everything I have.”
Another factor in his decision to stay was his personal performance. Arenado posted a .719 OPS last season, the lowest since his rookie year, and hit just 16 home runs—well below his career average of over 30 per season. Leaving on such a disappointing note didn’t sit well with him.
“I’ve achieved some great individual milestones here, but that wouldn’t have been the right way to end things,” Arenado explained. “I don’t want my last year in St. Louis to be remembered for that kind of performance. That’s what drives me now. I’m grateful for the chance to turn it around.”
“I’m looking forward to competing,” he added. “I’m in a city that values and expects good baseball. That means a lot to me, and I want to live up to that standard.”
Leave a Reply