Nolan Arenado reported to spring training with St. Louis after an offseason loaded with trade discussions. Despite attempts by the Cardinals to move him (and despite his full no‑trade clause), no deal came together. Now, he’s back in the fold under contract for several more seasons, meaning the club must work with him in the lineup rather than around him.
His presence has already forced a recalibration of earlier plans. The front office had been preparing for a younger rebuild, with Nolan Gorman expected to take over at third base and prospects like Thomas Saggese being groomed for big‑league exposure. With Arenado staying, Gorman will shift to second base, and the team’s strategy for promoting internal talent will have to be adjusted accordingly.
The ripple effects extend through multiple positions. Brendan Donovan, known for his versatility, may be pressed into more extended duties in the outfield if Arenado is at third. That could squeeze out some playing time for outfielders like Lars Nootbaar, Jordan Walker, and Michael Siani. Fans and analysts are watching closely to see how Marmol and the coaching staff will juggle defense, offensive potential, and rest days.
Financially, Arenado is a major commitment. With three years and tens of millions of dollars left on his contract, the Cardinals lose some flexibility. They had been aiming to lower payroll and give younger, cheaper players more roles, but that strategy is now more constrained. The failed trade with Houston and other teams, often due to money or Arenado’s no‑trade clause, means St. Louis carries both the salary burden and the responsibility of fitting him into a competitive, but also youth‑leaning, roster.
On the field, Arenado’s recent performance adds to the question marks. While he remains highly respected for his defense and his past production, his offensive numbers in recent times have not matched what fans expect from someone paid at his level. The club, and fans, are watching closely to see if he can recapture some power and consistency at the plate.
Arenado’s return is also emotionally complex for the clubhouse and fanbase. Some see it as a chance for redemption—he’s a star, a veteran presence, possibly a stabilizing force. Others view it as holding back young players or as a mismatch of where the team wants to go (towards youth, lower payroll, growth from within). There’s tension in reconciling the investment in Arenado with the desire to build for the future.
Looking ahead, what to watch: how the Cardinals set their lineup (especially who gets regular at‑bats at 2B, 3B, and in the outfield), how injuries (for example, expect some rest days for Arenado) are handled, and whether the club revisits trade markets or reassigns roles mid‑season. The next few weeks of Spring Training and early games will be vital in showing whether having Arenado is a drag or an advantage, and whether the Cardinals can make it work without sacrificing the development of their young core.
