Former Cardinals Star Nolan Arenado Surprised by St. Louis' Sudden Struggles

Arenado reflects on the team's rapid decline during his tenure, offering rare insight into the Cardinals' organizational transition.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a recent interview, former St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado admitted he did not expect the team to fall out of contention as quickly as it did. The Cardinals entered recent seasons confident in their organizational structure, but a complete pitching collapse in 2023, followed by an offense-wide regression in 2024, exposed systemic limitations and forced a roster reset. Arenado's comments provide rare insight into the team's internal expectations and the abruptness of their decline.

Why it matters

Arenado's surprise at the Cardinals' sudden struggles validates the team's decision to reset and rebuild, as it confirms how quickly expectations unraveled inside one of baseball's most consistent organizations. His perspective offers a unique look at the challenges facing the franchise as it navigates a transition under new leadership.

The details

The Cardinals entered recent seasons confident their organizational structure would sustain long-term competitiveness, a belief that defined the franchise for decades. However, that confidence unraveled beginning in 2023, when a complete pitching collapse led to a last-place finish in the NL Central, followed by an offense-wide regression in 2024 that left a veteran-heavy roster unable to contend despite a winning record. By 2025, the shortcomings of that approach were undeniable, forcing a reset as aging production, roster imbalance, and stalled player development exposed systemic limitations.

  • In 2023, the Cardinals experienced a complete pitching collapse, leading to a last-place finish in the NL Central.
  • In 2024, the Cardinals' offense regressed, leaving a veteran-heavy roster unable to contend despite a winning record.
  • By 2025, the Cardinals' shortcomings were undeniable, forcing a reset as aging production, roster imbalance, and stalled player development exposed systemic limitations.

The players

Nolan Arenado

A former third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, who was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks as the team committed to a youth-driven approach.

St. Louis Cardinals

A Major League Baseball team that has been a consistent contender for decades, but has recently undergone a franchise reset due to a rapid decline in performance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I thought we were going to be good. I think the Cardinals have always found a way to be, even when on paper it may not look like they're going to be great.”

— Nolan Arenado (Foul Territory TV)

What’s next

The Cardinals will continue to navigate their roster reset, focusing on developing young talent and building a sustainable foundation for future success.

The takeaway

Nolan Arenado's surprise at the Cardinals' sudden struggles provides a rare glimpse into the team's internal expectations and the abruptness of their decline, underscoring the challenges facing the franchise as it transitions under new leadership. This insight validates the team's decision to reset and rebuild, as they work to recapture the organizational stability that has defined the Cardinals for decades.