“Nolan Arenado unlikely to return to St. Louis” – MLB insider confident despite limited fits for 8x All-Star due to massive salary, no-trade clause

**Nolan Arenado Unlikely to Return to St. Louis, MLB Insider Confident**

In a surprising development, an MLB insider has reported that Nolan Arenado, the St. Louis Cardinals’ star third baseman, is unlikely to return to the team after the 2024 season. This news has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, as Arenado has been one of the most consistent and dynamic players for the Cardinals since joining the team in 2021.

The insider, whose sources are closely tied to the Cardinals’ front office, suggests that despite Arenado’s long-standing relationship with the organization, both sides may be headed for a parting of ways. While nothing is official yet, the insider’s confidence in the report has sparked widespread discussion about the potential reasons behind the shift and what it means for both Arenado’s career and the future of the Cardinals.

Arenado, 32, has been one of the top players in the National League since arriving in St. Louis, known for his exceptional defense, powerful bat, and leadership in the clubhouse. The five-time Gold Glove winner and multiple-time All-Star has helped anchor the Cardinals’ lineup and was instrumental in their playoff hopes in recent seasons. However, the growing speculation suggests that the relationship between Arenado and the team may be nearing its end, with both financial and personal factors playing a role in the potential departure.

One of the key reasons cited for Arenado’s likely exit is his contract situation. Arenado has an opt-out clause in his current deal, which he could exercise after the 2024 season. While the Cardinals have expressed interest in extending the third baseman, it appears that they are not prepared to offer the type of long-term, high-value deal that Arenado is seeking. The situation becomes even more complex with the current state of MLB contracts, as top-tier players like Arenado are commanding massive deals on the open market. If the Cardinals are not willing to meet those demands, Arenado may look to explore free agency, where he would almost certainly attract attention from other contending teams with deeper pockets.

Additionally, there are rumors that Arenado is seeking a change of scenery. Having played for several years with the Colorado Rockies before being traded to St. Louis, Arenado may be looking for a fresh challenge with a team that is ready to compete for a championship. The Cardinals, while consistently competitive, have struggled to make a deep postseason run in recent years, and Arenado may feel that a new environment could better suit his ambitions.

The potential departure of Arenado would be a massive blow to the Cardinals, who have relied on his offensive and defensive contributions to remain competitive in the National League. The team’s front office will likely have to pivot and consider options for replacing Arenado’s production, which will not be easy.

As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on Arenado and the Cardinals to see if they can come to a resolution. For now, it seems increasingly likely that the team will be facing a future without one of its most important stars.