Cardinals president gets honest about Nolan Arenado's future in St. Louis

Nolan Arenado's days with the Cardinals might be nearing its end. That's at least what the team's president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom stated on his most recent guesting on the MLB Network. Arenado, who was arguably the most consistent third baseman on both sides of the ball during his stint with the Rockies, has failed to replicate the same output with the Cards during his stay.

Bloom's claim was given more credence when Nolan Arenado was pulled in the first inning of the September 21 game of the Cards against the Brewers. In the event, the third base star was placed in the lineup but was immediately replaced by Nolan Gorman just so he can wave a proper good bye to an adoring 32,000-strong present at Busch Stadium.

"We've been open about this for a while now," said Bloom. "Nolan [Arenado] and I have had some great conversations towards the end of the season," he added. (0:01-0:09)

In 2025, Arenado posted his lowest career statistical tally in terms of fWAR with the Cardinals at just 1.3. He finished the season 0.2 fWAR lower than the pandemic-shortened 2020 season but played 59 more games with a final record of 12 home runs and 52 RBIs.

His struggles prompted speculation about him being linked to several ball clubs throughout the duration of last season as he stated that he wanted to play for a contender, which was the opposite of his situation with the rebuilding Cardinals.

"We sat down to talk through everything and I think we're on the same page to where it really makes sense for everybody to find a different fit and we're going to do that. We will find something that's going to work for us and something that would work for him. Releasing him is something that isn't an option," said Bloom. (0:10-0:33)

With a trade imminent ahead of Opening Day 2026, it would be interesting to see which team would take a gamble on Nolan Arenado, who was once highly regarded as the best hot corner specialist in the league.

Nolan Arenado named to Puerto Rico's 2026 WBC roster

In a shocking twist, Nolan Arenado was named to the roster of team Puerto Rico for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Arenado previously played for Team USA in the 2017 and 2023 versions of the event. This time, he will suit up to represent his mother and grandmother's homeland.

Managed by former Cardinals teammate Yadier Molina, the team will see the addition of Blue Jays star George Springer, along with holdovers such as Franciso Lindor, Javier Baez, and Carlos Correa to form one of the most formidable infields in the tournament.