The St. Louis Cardinals have recently been the focus of heavy trade speculation involving veterans Nolan Arenado and Ryan Helsley, as multiple teams have shown interest in acquiring them. However, insider Jim Bowden reports that John Mozeliak, the Cardinals’ president of baseball operations, intends to hold onto his top players to strengthen the team’s chances of success.
Discussing the situation on MLB Network Radio, Bowden emphasized Mozeliak’s commitment to winning during what is expected to be his final season leading the Cardinals.
“If they have a chance to win, Mozeliak is going to try to win. This is John Mozeliak’s final year running the St. Louis Cardinals. This is it, this is his swan song. … He didn’t really want to go down this way, the way they played last year. It was discouraging,”
Bowden said.
He added,
“If he has the chance to go out as either a winner or a wild card berth, or have a chance to win with a week to go in his career, he’s not selling. They don’t have to, they’re building a young team. … If he has a chance to win, I think he holds on to Helsley and Arenado.”
Mozeliak has been at the helm since 2007 and led the Cardinals during their most recent World Series championship in 2011.
Nolan Arenado Focuses on Redeeming 2024 Performance for 2025
Amid prevailing rumors during the trade season, Nolan Arenado ultimately remained with the St. Louis Cardinals after a challenging 2024 campaign. The veteran third baseman has expressed his determination to improve and contribute more effectively for the team in the upcoming season. In February, Arenado reflected,
“I really focus on just getting ready for the season, and that’s about it. … There was always a possibility of me getting traded, there was a possibility of me coming back – I’m back and I’m ready to go play ball.”
—Nolan Arenado, Third Baseman
So far in the season, Arenado is batting .234, with five home runs and 25 RBIs. While his offensive numbers have not stood out, his defensive effort has remained consistently dependable, providing stability for the Cardinals on the field.
Future Outlook Hinges on Veteran Leadership and Team Development
The Cardinals’ decision to retain both Nolan Arenado and Ryan Helsley signals a clear intention to capitalize on their experience as the franchise looks toward the 2025 season with hopes of contending once again. The presence of these seasoned players is expected to bolster a young roster being developed for sustained competitiveness. Mozeliak’s leadership during this critical phase highlights an organizational focus on immediate success combined with long-term growth.
With John Mozeliak aiming to end his tenure on a high note, preserving key veterans like Arenado and Helsley illustrates a resolve to build momentum heading into what could be a pivotal year for the Cardinals. How the team balances veteran contributions with emerging talent will be a central storyline as the season progresses and the playoffs approach.