The Cardinals Dominate the Nolan Arenado Trade
The St. Louis Cardinals have come out on top in the highly anticipated trade for Nolan Arenado. The All-Star third baseman has officially been acquired from the Colorado Rockies, and the Cardinals couldn’t be more thrilled.
After months of speculation and negotiations, the Cardinals have solidified their lineup with the addition of Arenado. This trade is a major win for the team and their fans, as they now have one of the best players in the league on their roster.
Arenado brings a wealth of talent and experience to the Cardinals. He is a seven-time Gold Glove winner and has been selected to the All-Star team five times. Not to mention, he has consistently been one of the top hitters in the league, with a career batting average of .293 and 235 home runs.
But it’s not just his on-field abilities that make this trade a victory for the Cardinals. Arenado is also known for his leadership and work ethic, making him a valuable asset to any team.
The Cardinals gave up a few players in the trade, but it was a small price to
Cardinals Trade for Nolan Arenado Proves to be a Steal After Latest Rockies Roster Move
The St. Louis Cardinals made a game-changing trade in 2021 that has had a major impact on both teams involved. In a shocking blockbuster deal with the Colorado Rockies, the Cardinals acquired star third baseman Nolan Arenado, solidifying their lineup with a strong defensive player and powerful hitter.
Four years later, the results of this trade are becoming increasingly apparent. Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently highlighted the trade and how it has played out for both teams. While some trades, like the San Diego Padres’ acquisition of Juan Soto, have greatly benefited the acquiring team, the same cannot be said for the Rockies in this case.
Trading away a player of Arenado’s caliber is always a risky move, and for the Rockies, it has proven to be a complete disaster. Nightengale writes, “Just how bad was the Nolan Arenado trade four years ago by the Colorado Rockies with the St. Louis Cardinals? Well, after the Rockies just released starter Austin Gomber (0-7, 7.49 ERA), they now have exactly no one left from the trade.”
Gomber was the final player remaining from the trade, and his time with the Rockies was short-lived and unsuccessful. With his release, none of the five players sent to Colorado in the trade are still with the team. Infielders Mateo Gil and Elehuris Montero, as well as pitchers Tony Locey and Jake Sommers, have all moved on from the organization.
Meanwhile, Arenado has thrived in St. Louis. In his five seasons with the Cardinals, he has accumulated 17.9 WAR, 338 runs scored, 705 hits, 140 doubles, 116 home runs, 415 RBIs, and 215 walks. He boasts a .779 OPS and 115 OPS+, indicating that he is an above-average hitter.
In addition to his impressive offensive stats, Arenado has also been recognized for his defensive prowess. He has earned three consecutive All-Star nods (2021-2023), a third-place MVP finish in 2022, and two Gold Glove awards (2021 and 2022). He is also a 10-time Gold Glove winner, six-time Platinum Glove winner, five-time Silver Slugger, and eight-time All-Star.
While Arenado’s performance may have declined slightly this season, his overall impact on the Cardinals has been overwhelmingly positive. He was already an elite player when the Rockies traded him, and he has continued to be a valuable asset for the Cardinals in the five years since.
With all of the players sent to Colorado no longer with the organization, it is clear that the trade has been a major win for the Cardinals. At the time, it was a bold and strategic move, and four years later, it still stands as one of the best trades in recent MLB history.
Arenado has proven to be a valuable addition to the Cardinals, and with Gomber’s release, the trade looks even better for St. Louis. It is a testament to the Cardinals’ foresight and decision-making, and a reminder of the impact that one trade can have on the course of a franchise.
