Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals are caught in a tough spot. The veteran third baseman wants to compete for a championship but the Cardinals are heading in a distinctive direction. With no vital free-agent spending and Arenado’s contract complicating trade negotiations, they’re stuck in limbo. Arenado remains on a team which is not established to win now, while the Cardinals are paying a veteran who could be blocking their younger talent. As trade talks stall, such an unresolved situation continues to effect Arenado’s career and the Cardinals’ long-period approach.

The Cardinals’ management of Nolan Arenado’s future highlights a larger issue as they are caught between conflicting priorities. While teams, like the Dodgers and the Braves effectively establish rosters around star talent, the Cardinals have remained passive. Ken Rosenthal put it bluntly, “They are, in the last year of Mozeliak’s tenure, seemingly trying to put a presentable product on the field, which is fine“.

However, by ignoring decisive activities, they are stuck between competing as well as planning for the upcoming period. However, their reluctance to spend contrasts with past seasons. Last year they pursued marquee names, like Paul Goldschmidt and Willson Contreras.

This back and forth is hurting both the player and the team, as Rosenthal put it, “Arenado’s hurt because he wants to go to a place where he can win. The Cardinals, they don’t spend a single dollar in major league free agency this winter because they’re taking this approach where they’re gonna retool a little bit.”

Another vital issue is Nolan Arenado’s contract. While still productive, Arenado’s $35 million salary makes the pitcher tough to move. Rosenthal also said, “He is not the MVP candidate which he was, however, he is still a Gold Glove candidate.” Keeping Nolan Arenado provides stability; however, it also stops prospects like Brendan Donovan from stepping into a larger and more effective role. In addition, the Cardinals also need to decide whether to embrace a reestablishment and identify a trade partner ready to take on Nolan Arenado’s deal.

Arenado’s struggles in St. Louis’ stagnant state

While the St. Louis Cardinals face issues, Nolan Arenado’s situation is not ideal either. At 33, Arenado is running out of time to chase a championship. In addition, St. Louis’ reluctance to spend did not make 2024 a playoff year, leaving Nolan Arenado in a frustrating situation. He is too talented to waste his prime on a retooling team, yet Arenado’s contract makes it tough to identify an escape.

Beyond that, the longer Nolan Arenado remains in St. Louis, the more his availability affects the team’s future. The Cardinals have younger players waiting to take over at third base, and his contract restricts payroll flexibility. If Arenado stays, he risks being part of a franchise that could not contend for years. If Arenado is traded, the Cardinals will have to pay part of his salary to make a deal happen. Either way, the 2 sides are dealing with the implications of this failed separation.

Nolan Arenado and the Cardinals are trapped in baseball limbo. Arenado needs to win, and they want to move forward; however, neither has taken the vital step to break free. Will St. Louis finally commit to a clear direction? Will this uncomfortable situation drag in the season? What can the Cardinals do next?