Nolan Arenado, third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, hit a walk-off home run on Saturday to give his team a dramatic win over the Milwaukee Brewers. The moment sent the remaining fans at Busch Stadium into a frenzy, especially considering Arenado’s difficult 2024 season. His performance this year has been much improved, and this walk-off could serve as a turning point for both Arenado and the team as a whole.
The Cardinals have struggled to find direction, with general manager John Mozeliak pledging to move several veteran players in the offseason. Arenado, however, was seen as an exception. Mozeliak had attempted to trade Arenado multiple times, including a near-deal with the Houston Astros, but the 34-year-old nixed the trade. With Chaim Bloom soon taking over, the future of Arenado in St. Louis remains uncertain. For now, Arenado is focused on bouncing back from his tough 2024 season and helping the team win games.
“I feel like I still have a lot left in me in this game, and sooner or later I’m going to be done playing, but I just want to keep going because I feel like I can do a lot of great things,” Arenado said after the game. “That’s what I’m still chasing. When I feel like I can’t do that anymore, I probably won’t play, but I still feel like I can. I’m still trying to get comfortable and fix some things, but I’m still chasing that.”
Arenado is, to some degree, trying to recapture the player he used to be, especially during his time with the Rockies and early in his Cardinals career. Even if he never fully returns to that level, he remains a valuable asset, whether in St. Louis or elsewhere by the trade deadline. Cardinals manager Oli Marmol praised Arenado’s all-around ability after another win for the team.
“Hall of Famer for a reason, and he’s one of the best at it on both sides of the baseball,” Marmol said. “He’s going to continue to show that he’s determined to be great offensively and defensively.”
Despite the questions surrounding his contract, Arenado’s talent is undeniable, and his recent play shows he still has a lot to contribute.