The St. Louis Cardinals are coming off a frustrating campaign, ending the year six games below .500 — a far cry from their expectations. With the offseason approaching, the organization could be headed for some notable changes. As the club navigates a transitional period, one pressing issue is finding ways to bring fans back to Busch Stadium.
“Attendance dropped by more than 628,000 fans this year — the steepest decline in Major League Baseball, even surpassing the losses suffered by the A’s and Rays after their stadium relocations,” Front Office Sports reported.
One possible shake-up? Moving on from their longtime third baseman. Nolan Arenado, now 34, appears to be nearing the twilight of his career, and growing speculation suggests the Cardinals could look to trade him this winter.
“The Cardinals have spent much of the past year exploring ways to move Nolan Arenado and are expected to revisit that effort this offseason as they prioritize getting younger across the roster. Though no longer the superstar he once was, the future Hall of Famer remains a standout defender at third and has adapted his game with a more contact-driven approach as his power has waned,” Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter wrote.
One team reportedly monitoring the situation is the New York Mets, who have already been linked to the veteran infielder.
“While Arenado was selective about waiving his no-trade clause last offseason, he’s more open to potential destinations now. That could create an opportunity for the Mets, who would likely be drawn to his competitive fire,” Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer added. “Sean Manaea: $50 million through 2027. Nolan Arenado: $42 million through 2027 ($5 million paid by the Rockies).”
Although Arenado’s offensive prime may be behind him, his defense, leadership, and drive to win still hold appeal for contenders. For St. Louis, a deal with a team like the Mets could bring in valuable young pieces and jumpstart a roster reset.
Arenado’s motivation to win hasn’t faded — but achieving that goal might require leaving the Cardinals behind.
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