The 2025 Version of Nolan Arenado Cannot Save the Struggling St. Louis Cardinals (62-64)
The St. Louis Cardinals (62-64) are in desperate need of a savior, but unfortunately, the 2025 version of Nolan Arenado is not available to help them. Despite being an eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, Arenado is currently sidelined with a right shoulder strain that he suffered at the end of July.
Since the All-Star break, the Redbirds have had multiple opportunities to make a significant impact in the National League Wild Card standings. However, they have failed to capitalize on these chances, losing four out of six games to the Colorado Rockies (who are currently on a four-game winning streak). In a particularly disappointing two-day stretch, the Cardinals were outscored 7-0 by the Miami Marlins.
According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, Arenado is slowly but surely making progress in his recovery. He hopes to begin taking swings by Friday and is optimistic that he will be able to start a throwing program next week.
e that Arenado’s track record and experience make him a valuable asset to have in the lineup, especially during a playoff push. However, the numbers do not lie and the Cardinals may have to make a tough decision on whether to stick with their struggling veteran or give their young prospect a chance to prove himself.
The Struggling Cardinals: Can Nolan Arenado’s Return Save the Season?
The St. Louis Cardinals (62-64) are in desperate need of a spark as they continue to fall behind in the National League Wild Card race. Despite having a star-studded lineup, the Redbirds have failed to capitalize on opportunities and have been outplayed by teams like the Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins.
But there may be hope on the horizon as injured third baseman Nolan Arenado is determined to rejoin the team and help turn their season around. The eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner has been making progress in his recovery from a right shoulder strain and hopes to start swinging by Friday and begin a throwing program next week.
“Pain is going down, definitely getting there,” Arenado told Katie Woo of The Athletic.
However, this season has been a struggle for Arenado, who is on track to play less than 144 games for the first time since 2014. The 34-year-old has been plagued by offensive struggles, batting just .235 with 10 home runs and 43 RBIs in 96 games. His defense, while still solid, has not been enough to make up for his lackluster performance at the plate.
So the question remains: will Arenado’s return truly benefit the Cardinals? With young prospect Nolan Gorman currently holding down the hot corner in Arenado’s absence, the organization may have a tough decision to make. Gorman, a 2018 first-round draft pick, has shown impressive power but has struggled with consistency at the plate.
But if Gorman can rise to the occasion, the Cardinals may have a brighter future ahead. While they are still on the hook for Arenado’s hefty contract for the next two seasons, it’s unlikely he will factor into their long-term plans. And with the team currently 5.5 games behind the final NL playoff spot, they may have to decide whether to prioritize the present or give their young prospect a chance to prove himself.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to whether the Cardinals believe Arenado’s track record and experience make him a valuable asset in a playoff push, or if they are willing to take a chance on their struggling veteran and focus on the future. Only time will tell if Arenado’s return can save the season for the struggling Cardinals.
