The St. Louis Cardinals are moving forward with Nolan Arenado as their Opening Day third baseman despite extensive efforts to trade the superstar during the offseason. The 10-time Gold Glove winner has had recent struggles at the plate but remains a key defensive asset. Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt believes Arenado is among the greatest third basemen in history, noting his exceptional defense and potential for future accolades.

Arenado, who turns 34 in April, is coming off a challenging offensive season in 2024. However, after adjusting his training and swing, there is optimism he can bounce back, which would help the Cardinals if they decide to explore trade options later. His impressive resume includes 10 Gold Gloves and multiple All-Star selections, reinforcing his reputation in the sport.