Arenado says, “I’m in the right place,” as he enters the Cards camp.
JUPITER, Florida Nolan Arenado, the All-Star third baseman, showed up to St. Louis camp on time Sunday morning, ending months of rumors that he had played his final game as a Cardinal.
Arenado remarked, “I think the one thing about this place [is] I’m very comfortable.” “I’ll be more prepared for the season since I know it. I’m also in the proper location. I feel prepared. I think I’ve got a lot to prove. I can’t wait to go on the field.
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The Cardinals revealed plans to revamp their ballclub at the start of the summer in order to provide younger players with a road to demonstrate their preparedness.
According to MLB.com, Arenado provided the Cardinals with a list of six teams for whom he would be willing to waive his whole no-trade clause.
St. Louis believed it could have an agreement in December to transfer Arenado to Houston, but the slugger canceled the transaction because the Astros weren’t one of those clubs.
John Mozeliak, the president of baseball operations for the Cardinals, stated earlier this spring that he anticipated some discomfort when Arenado reported to camp.
Mozeliak and Arenado both concurred that a phone conversation a few days earlier resolved any possible animosity before Arenado arrived.
“I actually joked that I wanted to give you a hug when I saw you,” Mozeliak remarked.
On Sunday, the Cardinals position players’ report day, Mozeliak and manager Oliver Marmol were embraced.
On having Nolan Arenado at camp, Oliver Marmol
February 14, 2025 · 0:24
On having Nolan Arenado at camp, Oliver Marmol
Marmol expressed her excitement over seeing him, saying, “I can tell you that he is ready and focused.” It was amazing to hear what was pouring out of his mouth. He’s doing well right now.
The Cardinals’ intention to start over is made more difficult by their unwillingness to move Arenado. The benefit is that, should Arenado stay in St. Louis for the entire season, the Cardinals would probably end up with a better record than they would without him.
Simply put, Mozeliak stated, “I think we feel like a better team with Nolan on our team.”
Only 42 of Arenado’s 341 home runs throughout his 12-year career have come in the last two seasons. With just 16 home runs and 71 RBIs in the previous season, his output dropped to an average of.272. His season-low home run and RBI totals are the lowest since 2014.
Arenado worked out in the weight room throughout the offseason, just like most baseball players do. In an attempt to regain his once-productive power stroke, he placed a strong emphasis on developing fast-twitch muscles.
“I mean, I got after it,” Arenado remarked, looking significantly slimmer. “I did what I thought was good for me, and I’m hoping that everything works out here in Spring Training quite soon. In order to be prepared for Opening Day, I intend to play a lot of games throughout Spring Training.
Younger Cardinals would have had more playing time if Arenado had been traded. Lars Nootbaar would have been able to play left field as slugger Nolan Gorman would have moved from second base to his more comfortable position at third and Brendan Donovan would have probably forsaken his utility role in favor of a more permanent position at second. Jordan Walker would be in right, while Michael Siani and Victor Scott, if they were paired, would be in center.
Gorman is expected to fill in for Arenado at the hot corner throughout the season and will play some third base during Spring Training. Gorman may also get time at first base, at least in the spring, according to Mozeliak.
Mozeliak is still looking for a trading partner for Arenado, though.
Arenado, a six-time Platinum Glover and ten-time Gold Glove Award winner with three years and $74 million left on his deal, was publicly part of that strategy.
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