JUPITER, Fla. – Nolan Arenado, after an offseason filled with trade speculation, is back for his fifth season with the St. Louis Cardinals. While his return gives the Cardinals stability at third base, it could have a ripple effect on the playing time of younger teammates looking to carve out everyday roles.
Cardinals lead executive John Mozeliak made it clear early in the offseason that the Cardinals planned to pivot toward a youth movement and even publicly acknowledged the team’s intentions to trade Arenado as part of that process. Still, there was always the possibility that a deal wouldn’t materialize and that Arenado would report to spring training. That’s now a reality.
Teammates and staff seem eager to welcome Arenado back, and the eight-time All-Star seems just as motivated. “I’m back. And I’m ready to go play ball,” he told media members Sunday. From a clubhouse standpoint, the current situation has unfolded quite smoothly, even if the Cardinals revisit trade talks later into the season.
The bigger challenge ahead? Finding enough playing time for younger talent that the Cardinals initially hoped to give a longer runway for opportunities this season. And this challenge goes well beyond just the infield.
What does Nolan Arenado’s return mean for the opportunities of younger teammates while he remains a Cardinal? Let’s explore…
Nolan Gorman
The one player most obviously affected by Arenado’s return is Nolan Gorman. Had Arenado been traded, the Cardinals had planned for Gorman to take over at third base, a position he was drafted for and played in the minors before shifting to second base. For now, Gorman will primarily start at second base, though he could serve as a designated hitter or get occasional reps at third base when Arenado rests.
Brendan Donovan
A true utility player, Donovan has played at six different positions since his MLB debut and even won a superutility Gold Glove award for his versatility in 2022. While Donovan profiles best at second base, Gorman’s presence there could push him into a more fluid role. The corner outfield spots, especially left field, seem like logical fits. He could also DH, but given his defensive value, the Cardinals will likely find ways to keep him on the field. Regardless, it shouldn’t affect his ability to draw into the lineup much, if healthy.
Alec Burleson
Burleson played right field slightly more than left field last season, but he seems to be growing comfortable at both spots. He was projected to be more of an everyday left fielder had the Cardinals traded Arenado. That may change a bit if Donovan moves there regularly, but Burleson is another hitter who the Cardinals likely want in the lineup almost every day. Designated hitter and occasional first base starts are also in play, but his fielding assignment could change day by day more than just about anyone.
Jordan Walker
From a fielding standpoint, Walker’s role will remain largely unchanged. Right field is where the Cardinals have worked to develop him in his first two years at the MLB level. However, if Donovan or Burleson earn more time in right field, the only other realistic option for regular at-bats right now is designated hitter. The Cardinals are trying to refine Walker’s offensive approach, and moving the 22-year-old around different positions adds another learning curve that doesn’t feel necessary, at least in the early stages of 2025.
Lars Nootbaar
Nootbaar has experience at all three outfield positions, though his fielding and throwing abilities have generally been better suited for a corner outfield spot. That said, if healthy, he becomes a default starting center fielder with Arenado’s return. Nootbaar is one of the Cardinals’ most experienced younger players, making him a near-lock for regular at-bats. Donovan, Burleson, Walker and others will be fighting for opportunities in the corners, so there’s not much of a choice if Nootbaar is counted on as a regular.
Michael Siani
Siani surprised many people last year with elite speed and defensive range in centerfield, also making gradual hitting adjustments in his first full year at the MLB level. He began the 2024 season as a bench player, and despite his improvements, will likely settle for that to start the 2025 season. He would be among the first in line for increased opportunities in the case of an injury.
Victor Scott
Scott faces a similar challenge to Siani, except with even fewer MLB reps under his belt. He will face an uphill battle for a big-league roster spot out of spring, and the Cardinals may opt for Scott to start the regular season in Triple-A to continue with his development. That might be best for him to try to rekindle impressive flashes of speed (94 stolen bases) and contact (.303 batting average) he showed in 2023.
Who else?
With Arenado staying put, some MLB-ready or near MLB-ready prospects may begin the season in the minor leagues if most of the projected big-league roster stays healthy. These include:
- Luker Baker
- José Fermín
- Michael Helman
- César Prietto
- Thomas Saggese
As for Arenado
Arenado currently has three years remaining on his current contract that the Cardinals inherited from the Colorado Rockies when they acquired him in 2021. He is due $50 million over the next three seasons.
Arenado’s contract also comes with a no-trade clause that he exercised to block a deal to the Houston Astros in December. He reportedly has a list of limited teams he would approve a trade to, which has complicated the Cardinals’ efforts to trade him.
A midseason trade shouldn’t be ruled out, but it would be surprising if the Cardinals dealt him before Opening Day on March 27.