It’s already late January, and the St. Louis Cardinals are still stuck in uncertainty. Fans are left unsure whether the team plans to go into a full rebuild or if they’ll stick with their costly veteran core for 2025. Right-handed ace Sonny Gray seems focused on staying put and gearing up for a promising season. Meanwhile, Nolan Arenado remains the subject of trade speculation and likely anticipates playing for another team next year.
He is not sitting around waiting to land with a new ballclub, however. The eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove third baseman is focused on rediscovering his mojo before the start of Spring Training. And just like Austin Powers, Arenado is going back in time to try to obtain it. Well, sort of.
The 33-year-old is going back to basics and refining his skills at the University of Texas at Austin. He never attended college, originally committing to Arizona State before joining the Colorado Rockies organization. However, Arenado did spend time in Texas while playing for the Tulsa Drillers in the Texas League back in 2012. His connection with the Longhorns, though, is insignificant.
The only thing that matters is his intense dedication to reestablishing himself as a high-end talent. “Back 2 the Roots,” Arenado posted on Instagram.
He’s working on his batting and fielding while the Cardinals weigh their options. The front office has expressed interest in trading Arenado, but the process has been slower than expected. His ongoing presence is holding up other potential moves for St. Louis, causing anxiety among loyal fans. It’s crucial for both parties to reach a resolution soon.
If Arenado does stay with the Cardinals for the upcoming season with his $21 million salary, the hope is that he can regain some of his former form. The California native had a solid .272 batting average, but his power numbers plummeted, hitting just 16 home runs and posting a modest .394 slugging percentage in 152 games. A slight tweak to his swing could potentially lead to better results in 2025.
The big question on everyone’s mind in St. Louis is where this possible comeback will take place.
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