Why It Might Be Time for the St. Louis Cardinals to Trade Nolan Arenado

Why It Might Be Time for the St. Louis Cardinals to Trade...

By Arslan Saleem May 15, 2024 15:06

Nolan Arenado, a name synonymous with excellence in Major League Baseball, has had a remarkable journey from his roots to becoming a standout player in the league. Let's delve into his illustrious career, the recent developments, and the compelling case for a potential trade.

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A Star is Born

Hailing from Newport Beach, California, Nolan Arenado was destined for greatness in baseball. He was the 59th overall pick by the Colorado Rockies in the 2009 MLB draft and wasted no time in making a profound impact upon his debut in 2013. His extraordinary defensive prowess, exemplified by his perennial Gold Glove awards and Platinum Gloves, set him apart as an exceptional talent. Not to mention his consistent batting average well above .300, which solidified his dominance in the league.

The Glittering Career

Arenado's journey has been studded with accolades and accomplishments befitting a player of his caliber. Multiple All-Star appearances, Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards, and a remarkable batting average have been the hallmarks of his career. His crowning achievement came in 2015 when he was crowned the National League MVP, a testament to his on-field brilliance and impact.

Transition to the Cardinals

In a significant move in February 2021, Arenado bid farewell to the Rockies and joined the St. Louis Cardinals. This transition was accompanied by a monumental eight-year, $260 million contract, signifying the Cardinals' immense faith in his abilities and their commitment to securing his services for the long term.

The 2024 Conundrum

Fast forward to the 2024 season, and the narrative has taken a different turn. Arenado, while still a force to be reckoned with, has shown signs of aging. His performance, particularly at the plate, has been inconsistent, hinting at a potential decline. Meanwhile, the Cardinals, as a team, have struggled to meet expectations, magnifying the need for a strategic reassessment of their roster and future prospects.

The Case for a Trade

Age and Performance

At 33, Arenado is at a stage in his career where the physical demands of the game might start to take a toll. While he continues to demonstrate flashes of his brilliance, it's evident that he might not sustain his peak performance for much longer.

Team Rebuilding

Given the Cardinals' underwhelming performance and the prospect of an impending rebuild, trading Arenado to a contending team could yield valuable prospects that would fortify the Cardinals' roster for the future. This move could serve as a strategic step in ushering in a new era of success for the team.

Financial Implications

Arenado's substantial contract represents a significant financial commitment for the Cardinals. By exploring a trade, the team could potentially alleviate this financial burden, creating room to invest in emerging talent or address other areas of need within the organization.

The Verdict

In the ever-evolving landscape of baseball, tough decisions often need to be made in the best interest of the team's future. While Nolan Arenado's legacy in the sport is beyond reproach, the practical considerations of his age, performance, and the team's long-term objectives make a compelling case for the Cardinals to seriously consider a trade. By leveraging his name value and acquiring promising prospects, the team could set the stage for a revitalized and competitive roster, poised for sustained success in the seasons to come.

As the 2024 MLB season unfolds, the future of Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals remains a captivating storyline, with the potential for significant developments that could shape the course of baseball for years to come