Nolan Arenado, once a cornerstone of the Colorado Rockies’ infield, is widely expected to earn a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame when his career concludes. The debate over whether he will be recognized primarily as a Rockies player or as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals remains a central question, reflecting his achievements with both teams throughout his career.
Drafted 59th overall in 2009, Arenado developed into one of the most exceptional third basemen of his era, boasting 10 Gold Glove Awards and six Platinum Gloves, alongside impressive offensive statistics including over 350 home runs and more than 1,100 RBIs. Despite a recent dip in performance, the eight-time All-Star’s credentials point toward Hall of Fame induction.
Hall of Fame Induction Expected Under Rockies Banner, According to Insiders
Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post recently explored this question, consulting with Cardinals insider Derrick Goold of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch to gain perspective on Arenado’s legacy. Goold emphasized that Arenado’s tenure with the Rockies remains the defining chapter of his career.
“The Rockies make the most sense to me,”
Goold stated.
“He was the best all-around player in the National League for a good stretch, and that was mainly with the Rockies (though he was great with the Cardinals in 2022). Nolan played more games in Colorado and had more euphoric moments there.”
—Derrick Goold, Cardinals Insider
This assessment resonates with many Rockies fans who witnessed Arenado’s dominance first-hand. His award haul with Colorado included eight Gold Gloves and four Silver Slugger Awards, achievements that highlight both his defensive brilliance and offensive prowess during his time there.
Significant Contributions Made During Arenado’s Rockies Tenure
Arenado’s most notable performances with the Rockies not only earned him numerous individual honors but also solidified his status as a franchise icon. The majority of his career offensive achievements were recorded while wearing the Rockies’ uniform, further supporting the notion that his Hall of Fame identity is closely linked to Colorado.
Yet, Arenado’s relationship with the Rockies ended on an uneasy note. He publicly expressed frustration with the organization, mentioning
“there’s a lot of disrespect from people there that I don’t want to be a part of.”
This led to his request for a trade prior to the 2021 season, which resulted in his move to the St. Louis Cardinals.
St. Louis Cardinals: A Strong but Possibly Short-Lived Chapter
Since joining the Cardinals, Arenado continued to perform at a high level, securing three All-Star appearances, two Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger, and finishing third in National League MVP voting in 2022. Despite these successes, his stint in St. Louis faces uncertainty as the Cardinals embark on a payroll reduction effort, pushing to trade Arenado by asking him to waive his no-trade clause.
This developing situation suggests that Arenado might not complete his contract with St. Louis, currently set to run through 2027. Such an outcome would likely enhance the argument that his Hall of Fame enshrinement happens under the Rockies banner, offering a lasting connection to the team that drafted and shaped him.
The Enduring Impact of Arenado’s Career and Future Hall of Fame Prospects
Nolan Arenado’s probable election to the Hall of Fame will affirm his status as one of baseball’s elite third basemen. While his time with the Cardinals added important chapters to his career, it is his tenure with the Colorado Rockies that defined his rise and captured the greatest share of his achievements and fan admiration.
As Arenado approaches the conclusion of his playing days, the discussion about which team he will represent in Cooperstown reflects not only on his numbers but also on the stories and moments that shaped his legacy. For Rockies supporters and baseball fans alike, his Hall of Fame journey serves as a celebration of consistency, excellence, and the enduring ties between player and franchise.