## Will Nolan Arenado Remain a Cardinal?
The future of St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado hangs in the balance as trade talks surrounding the 10-time Gold Glove winner have stalled. Despite a career marked by excellence and Hall of Fame aspirations,Arenado’s trade value appears to have diminished following a less-than-stellar 2024 season. [[1]]
While Cardinals president of baseball operations John mozeliak acknowledges the possibility of a trade, insiders suggest that negotiations have hit a roadblock. The likelihood of Arenado finding a new home before the start of the 2025 season seems increasingly remote. [[2]]
The Boston Red Sox have emerged as the primary suitor for Arenado, but recent reports indicate that talks have reached an impasse. The complex financial implications of Arenado’s contract, which includes three years and $74 million remaining, coupled with the involvement of the Colorado Rockies in any potential deal, further complicate matters.
Arenado’s 2024 performance saw a dip in offensive production,with a .272 batting average,39 extra-base hits,16 home runs,and 71 RBIs in 152 games. While thes numbers are respectable, they fall short of his usual high standards. However, his extraordinary defensive skills remain a valuable asset for any team.
As the trade deadline approaches, speculation swirls around potential landing spots for Arenado. the Red Sox’s pursuit of Alex Bregman could potentially shift the landscape,opening up new possibilities for the Cardinals star.
Several teams,including the new york Mets,Philadelphia Phillies,San Diego Padres,Los Angeles angels,LA Dodgers,and,of course,the Red Sox,have been mentioned as potential destinations for Arenado. Only time will tell where the talented third baseman will ultimately land. [[3]]
Will Nolan Arenado Still Be Wearing the Birds on the Bat? A Conversation with Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg
The baseball world is abuzz with speculation: will Nolan Arenado, the 10-time Gold Glove third baseman, remain with the St. Louis Cardinals?
Joining me today to dissect this very question is former MLB MVP and Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg. Welcome,Ryne!
Ryne Sandberg: Thanks for having me. This is a engaging situation unfolding, and I’m eager to dive in.
Moderator: It truly seems the trade talks surrounding Arenado have cooled off considerably. What are your thoughts on why Cardinals president John Mozeliak might be hesitant to pull the trigger on a deal?
Ryne Sandberg: Well, it’s a complex equation. Arenado’s a phenomenal defensive player, arguably the best at his position in the league. But, as you mentioned, his offensive numbers dipped in 2024. Teams are going to weigh that, especially considering the hefty price tag on his remaining three years and $74 million contract. Plus, the Rockies’ involvement complicates things further.
Moderator: Absolutely. The Red Sox seem to be the most persistent suitors, but they are also reportedly pursuing Alex Bregman. Do you think Boston is realistically in play for both players?
Ryne Sandberg: It’s a bit of a long shot for them to land both,isn’t it? Bregman is a fantastic player,too and often overlooked. The Red Sox are clearly focused on upgrading their infield, but I’m not sure they have the financial versatility to make two big splashes like that in one off-season.
Moderator: Agreed. Many sources point to the Red Sox as the front-runners, but are there any dark horse candidates that you see as potential landing spots for Arenado?
Ryne Sandberg: The Dodgers and the Mets always seem to be in the mix for star players. Los Angeles has a history of making big moves when the opportunity arises, and they could be willing to swallow the remainder of his contract.The Mets, of course, are trying to build a contender quickly and Arenado would be a considerable boost to their infield.
Moderator: actually, Ryne, on that point, many believe that Arenado’s defensive prowess alone warrants his hefty salary. What are your thoughts on that? Is a player’s glovework becoming increasingly valued in today’s game?
Ryne Sandberg: It definitely has gained new appreciation. You need solid defense to win championships, and Arenado is the gold standard at third base. in a sense,he’s a rarity in a game that often emphasizes strikeouts and home runs. A guy who can consistently make tough plays and minimize errors is invaluable.
Moderator: Well said. Let’s wrap things up by asking for your prediction. Where do you see Nolan Arenado playing in 2025?
Ryne Sandberg: This one’s a tough call. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s still in St. Louis,but the Cardinals would need to be truly destined for a rebuild to justify keeping him. If they decided to move him, I’d lean towards the
Red Sox, but a deal hinging on the Bregman situation seems unlikely. It’s a fascinating puzzle, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
Moderator: Thank you so much for your insight, Ryne. It’s been a truly insightful conversation.
And to our readers, what do you think? Where do you believe nolan Arenado will land? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the discussion going!
