The St. Louis Cardinals welcomed a familiar face to spring training on Sunday, as All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado reported to camp amidst an offseason filled with trade speculation. Despite the Cardinals’ attempts to move the 33-year-old slugger and his hefty contract, Arenado remains a key piece of the team’s roster heading into the 2025 season.
Arenado Arrives at Spring Training
Nolan Arenado, an eight-time All-Star and ten-time Gold Glove winner, arrived at the Cardinals’ spring training facility in Jupiter, Florida, ready to prepare for the upcoming season. The veteran third baseman is entering the fourth year of a nine-year, $275 million contract, with $74 million remaining over the next three seasons.
The Cardinals acquired Arenado from the Colorado Rockies in 2021, with the Rockies agreeing to pay $51 million of his remaining salary. This year, Colorado will make its final payment of $5 million to offset the cost of Arenado’s contract.
Offseason Trade Talks
Throughout the offseason, the Cardinals actively explored trade options for Arenado, seeking to shed his substantial salary and acquire assets to aid in their rebuilding efforts. Despite their attempts, the team was unable to find a suitable trade partner, largely due to Arenado’s full no-trade clause, which allows him to veto any potential deal.
I’m not going to talk about who the teams were because it doesn’t really matter anymore, but so, yeah, there was about five teams, five or so.
– Nolan Arenado on trade discussions
Arenado acknowledged that approximately five teams expressed interest in acquiring him, but his no-trade clause limited the number of realistic destinations. The third baseman, who now has a family, emphasized that any potential move would need to be worthwhile for him to uproot his loved ones.
Arenado’s 2024 Performance
In 2024, Arenado experienced a slight downturn in production, hitting .272 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs. While still a solid contributor, these numbers fell short of his typically elite performance. Despite this, Arenado remains a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ lineup and a crucial defensive asset at the hot corner.
Cardinals’ Rebuilding Strategy
Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation, referring to Arenado’s trade talks as “the pink elephant” in the room. However, he emphasized that with Arenado on the roster, the team is undoubtedly better.
The Cardinals’ approach to the offseason has focused on rebuilding for the future, with an eye towards contending in 2026 and beyond. The team has refrained from signing any free agents to major league contracts and has lost key players, such as four-time Gold Glove first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who signed with the New York Yankees.
Do I wish the direction was all-in? Of course. But is this what’s probably best for the Cardinals? Probably.
– Nolan Arenado on the Cardinals’ rebuilding strategy
While Arenado expressed his preference for an “all-in” approach, he acknowledged that the Cardinals’ current strategy might be in the team’s best long-term interests. As spring training gets underway, the third baseman remains focused on preparing for the upcoming season and contributing to the Cardinals’ success in 2025.
Looking Ahead
As the Cardinals navigate their rebuilding process, Nolan Arenado’s presence on the roster provides a valuable veteran presence and a reliable glove at third base. While his future with the organization remains uncertain, Arenado’s commitment to his craft and his teammates is evident as he takes the field for another spring training.
The 2025 season will likely bring its share of challenges for the Cardinals, but with Arenado anchoring the infield and providing offensive firepower, the team has a solid foundation upon which to build. As trade rumors continue to swirl, the baseball world will closely monitor Arenado’s performance and the Cardinals’ progress in their quest to return to contention.
