When Nolan Arenado was eager to make his mark in a Cardinals jersey following his rocky split with Colorado Rockies

After playing for the Colorado Rockies for seven MLB seasons, 7× All-Star Nolan Arenado was acquired by the St. Louis Cardinals on February 1, 2021. After a year of being disappointed with his former team, Nolan was embracing a new start in St. Louis and was eager to make his mark in a Cardinals jersey.

Arenado said:

"I'm very thankful to be a Cardinal. It's a great organization with a great history. Me and my family are really excited to be a part of it. As a kid, you dream of winning the World Series, and that's still the dream now."

He added:

"To join this organization, they care about winning and they want to get things done. It's really exciting. They're always competitive, and that's something that got my attention."

"Rockies trade Nolan Arenado to Cardinals, give up on being an actual baseball team." - Deadspin

Arenado was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft, with the 59th overall pick. Five years later, at Chase Field, he made his Major League Baseball debut in 2013 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Nolan Arenado's achievements in St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals v Chicago Cubs

In his first year with the St. Louis Cardinals, Nolan Arenado wrapped the MLB 2021 season batting .255/.312/.494 with 34 HRs and 105 RBIs. In 2021, he also won his ninth Gold Glove Award.

Post the 2021 MLB season, Nolan had the option to sign up as a free agent and bag a higher deal with another organization. However, he chose to stay with the Cardinals.

"2022 Rawlings Gold Glove Award Winner - Third Base - NL: Nolan Arenado." - Rawlings Baseball

In 2022, Arenado batted .293/.358/.533 with 30 HRs and 103 RBIs. He once again won the Gold Glove Award. He then expressed his desire to continue in St. Louis on October 29, 2022, and committed to playing for the team until the 2027 campaign.