The St. Louis Cardinals Have Been Put In A Position Where They Have To Cut Ties With Their Superstar Third Baseman

There have been very few dark days when it comes to baseball in St. Louis. The Cardinals, one of Major League Baseball‘s most storied franchises, have captured 11 World Series titles and 19 National League Championships. Busch Stadium, often called ‘Baseball Heaven’ by the fan base – has seen more than its fair share of miraculous moments.

However, the last two seasons have been dismal around the Gateway City. The Redbirds finished 71-91 in 2023, last place in the NL Central Divison. While they fared better in the standings this past season, finishing second behind the Milwaukee Brewers, they still managed to go just 83-79, ten games out in the standings.

Already departed is 2022 NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt, who signed with the Yankees as a free agent. Now, the club faces a quandary with another star who wants out. Third baseman Nolan Arenado has requested a trade, and the Cardinals are scrambling to find a suitor before the season starts.

Cardinals Look To Get A Deal Done As Soon As Possible

During the team’s annual Winter Warm-Up get-together, Team President John Mozeliak addressed the media regarding any movement on the Arenado front. While he wasn’t forthcoming with too many details, the executive stated that it was a priority to make a move – both for the player’s sake and the ballclub’s.

“I did anticipate us having completed a trade by now, but that hasn’t happened,” Mozeliak stated. “Priority one, two, and three is still Nolan. It is something in time he and I will have to talk about if the reality is he has to join us and camp, and what that looks like. We’ll continue to try to find a place that he’s happy with, and we’ll use our time as best we can… I know it’s a top priority for the organization and myself, so I will be laser-focused on that until it’s not.”

One of the roadblocks to Mozeliak simply pulling the trigger on a deal is Arenado’s no-trade clause, giving him the right to reserve where he plays next. The third baseman has reportedly already nixed a deal that would have sent him to the Houston Astros last month.

Nolan Arenado’s Career Has Been Sterling

There’s no denying that Nolan Arenado is one of the greatest stars of his generation and a likely Hall of Famer. He is recognized as one of the greatest ever to play his position – having captured the Gold Glove at third base for each of his first ten seasons. He’s also a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner during his 11-year MLB career.

While he won’t command as much in return because of his hefty contract and the fact that it’s no secret he wants to be traded, the Cardinals could look for a package deal from an American League club, like the Yankees or Red Sox. Also in the mix could be the Los Angeles Dodgers, who Arenado has expressed interest in playing for.

One thing’s for sure. Arenado’s time in St. Louis will likely be over before the end of the 2024 baseball season. But for Mozeliak and the Cardinals, the time to make a deal is now. They’ve indicated that they are moving towards more of a youth movement, and the eight-time All-Star certainly doesn’t fit that blueprint.

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