The St. Louis Cardinals have endured another frustrating season, and a major roster shakeup could be on the way this winter. One longtime player, who has already been part of trade rumors in the past, may finally be on his way out.
Even though the Cardinals remain technically alive in the playoff race, their odds have effectively disappeared. After an 83–79 finish last season, there was hope for improvement, but instead they sit at 66–69. With disappointment mounting, it may be time to move on from one of their veteran stars to spark a long-term rebuild.
The Cardinals’ 2025 Collapse
St. Louis opened the year strong, going 33–18 through May. However, their season unraveled over the summer, with an 8–16 July and an 11–21 August. The rotation has been shaky, with Sonny Gray (12–7, 4.19 ERA), Matthew Liberatore (6–11, 4.27 ERA), and Andre Pallante (6–12, 5.44 ERA) struggling to provide consistency. The staff as a whole ranks 25th in ERA.
The bullpen has been far stronger, ranking fourth in the league, but the offense has hovered around average—15th in batting average, 16th in OBP, and 14th in runs. Power has been a major weakness, as the team ranks just 24th in home runs and 22nd in slugging percentage. While Alec Burleson (.286, 16 HR, 60 RBI) and Willson Contreras (.255, 19 HR, 73 RBI) have provided steady production, others have not lived up to expectations.
One longtime Cardinal and fan favorite, third baseman Nolan Arenado, has struggled with both health and performance. Now, he could become the centerpiece of an offseason trade.
Nolan Arenado’s Decline
Arenado has battled injuries all year, including a shoulder strain that has limited his impact. In 96 games, he is hitting .235 with 10 home runs and 43 RBIs. This marks a clear drop-off from 2023, when he hit .294 with 41 home runs and 133 RBIs. Last season, his numbers had already dipped to a .274 average with 16 home runs.
The decline, paired with the team’s overall struggles, has sparked speculation about his future. Despite his injury issues, Arenado did reach his 350th career home run this season, proving he still has value.
Why a Trade Makes Sense
The Cardinals have reportedly listened to offers for Arenado, and with younger players like Nolan Gorman pushing for more playing time, a rebuild seems more likely than ever. Having already moved on from Paul Goldschmidt, the front office may decide it is time to part with another franchise cornerstone.
At 34 years old, Arenado could still bring back solid value from a contender looking for a veteran bat and elite defense at third base. For a team that is likely headed toward a third straight playoff miss, trading Arenado may be the most realistic way to accelerate the rebuild and prepare for the future.
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