Nolan Arenado, the standout player for the St. Louis Cardinals, stunned fans and left head coach Olive Marmol flabbergasted with…

Nolan Arenado has a message for Cardinals fans.

Nolan Arenado, the veteran third baseman, has returned to the St. Louis Cardinals following a lengthy offseason of transfer rumours. He is eager to commence the season.

The 33-year-old appeared to be the primary candidate for a trade, given that a deal did eventually occur with the Houston Astros. However, the Cardinals’ third baseman opted to remain in St. Louis by invoking his complete no-trade clause.

Arenado, who is scheduled to commence his fifth consecutive Opening Day appearance for the Cardinals on Thursday, expressed his desire to disregard the events of the previous year and concentrate on the team’s current needs.

“I would like to, God willing, stay healthy and give the Cardinals fans something better to remember than last year.”

— Nolan Arenado, #stlcards 3B. https://t.co/rAIH7a5jFw

— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) March 26, 2025

Arenado stated to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, “I would like to, God willing, remain healthy and provide the Cardinals fans with an experience that is more memorable than last year.” “I am enthusiastic about the prospect of competing in a venue that values exceptional baseball.” That is the gift I intend to present to them.

The eight-time MLB All-Star stated that he would “always feel bad” if he were to depart the organisation on the same note as he did at the conclusion of the previous season.

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Nolan Arenado, the third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Arenado concluded the previous season with a.272/.325/.394 batting line, 70 runs scored, and 71 RBI. The veteran’s slugging percentage was a career-low, as he added 23 doubles and 16 home runs, his lowest full-season home run total since his inaugural year in 2013.

Additionally, it was the second consecutive season in which he failed to achieve 30 home runs and 100 RBI.

Arenado stated that he utilised the offseason to concentrate on his defensive agility and explosiveness. This sabbatical has been fruitful, as the third baseman has executed numerous highlight-reel plays this spring that were not present in his performance last year.

“I just feel like I’m moving well,” Arenado stated. “I do not perceive myself as being hesitant.” I am attempting to adopt an aggressive mindset, and I believe that this will be beneficial.

Arenado generated offence when he did connect, driving in eight runs and scoring three times with one home run in 17 games, despite his offensive statistics this spring being subpar (.195/.277/.317).

Jordan Walker, an outfielder for the Cardinals, expressed his admiration for Arenado, emphasising that “you can really see how much he loves the game of baseball.”

Oliver Marmol, the team’s manager, further stated that he possesses a “competitive nature that is detail-oriented.”

The Cardinals’ potential trade of Arenado remains a concern as the season commences; however, the veteran is intent on establishing a successful season in St. Louis.

He is also “ecstatic to have another opportunity” to reverse his fortunes from the previous year and provide Cardinals supporters with a cause to celebrate.