Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker left the team’s split-squad game against the Nationals on Tuesday due to left knee pain. Walker departed in the third inning and will undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of his injury. The 22-year-old, a former first-round pick, is one of the Cardinals’ most promising prospects. However, after a strong rookie season in which he hit .276 with 16 homers and 51 RBIs in 117 games, Walker's performance significantly declined last year. He posted a .202 batting average with five homers and 20 RBIs in 51 games with the big-league club.
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Despite last season's struggles, Walker played 85 games for Triple-A Memphis, where he hit .263 with nine homers and 37 RBIs. The Cardinals, who have missed the playoffs for the past two seasons, are relying on players like Walker to bounce back and contribute to the team's success. Walker is competing for a spot in the outfield alongside Lars Nootbaar and Michael Siani, with Michael Helman, recently acquired from the Twins, also in the mix. The Cardinals hope Walker's injury is not severe and that he can return to form to help the team in the upcoming season.

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado recently made headlines with his three-hour drive to play in an exhibition game against the New York Yankees. This move, which took place during the Grapefruit League spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, raised eyebrows and fueled trade rumors. Despite the speculation, Arenado was quick to dismiss the notion that the game was a "showcase" for potential suitors. "I didn't come here for that," Arenado told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Day 3 of spring training. That wouldn't be a good day to showcase myself. I'm not ready for that." Arenado, who went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, emphasized that his trip was more about maintaining his training schedule and visiting friends DJ LeMahieu and Paul Goldschmidt.
Arenado's appearance against the Yankees comes amid ongoing trade discussions, with the Cardinals reportedly open to moving the star third baseman due to declining production and his substantial contract. However, Arenado made it clear that his presence in Tampa was not intended to spark trade talks. Instead, he focused on getting three at-bats and staying in game shape. "My body is ready for it," he said. "I'm ready for nine. My timing (at the plate) is not." As the trade rumors continue to swirl, Arenado's commitment to his training and his candid remarks highlight his professionalism and dedication to the game.

As trade rumors continue to circulate around 10-time Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado, the St. Louis Cardinals star made a surprising move on Wednesday that keeps the speculation alive. Arenado made the three-hour journey from the Cardinals' spring training site at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Fla., to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa to face the New York Yankees in Grapefruit League action. This significant commute for a player of Arenado's stature, especially at this early stage of spring training, has raised eyebrows and added fuel to the trade buzz.
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Yankees beat writers and fans alike took notice of Arenado's unexpected appearance, sparking further intrigue about his future with the Cardinals. As Arenado took the field against the Yankees, questions about potential trade scenarios and his possible landing spots gained momentum. Whether or not a trade materializes, Arenado's willingness to make such a lengthy trip has certainly kept the rumor mill churning, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the star third baseman.

Paul Goldschmidt's pride in his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, playing alongside legends like Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Adam Wainwright, and winning the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 2022, remains strong. However, he also laments the struggles of the past two seasons that led to his departure from the Cardinals. Reflecting on his performance and the team's failure to make the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, the now-37-year-old Goldschmidt acknowledges that better power and productivity numbers might have kept him with the Cardinals instead of transitioning to the New York Yankees. His emotions are conflicted as he adjusts to playing with new teammates like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, while missing close friends Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras.
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Goldschmidt's move to the Yankees is a poignant reminder of the business side of baseball. Speaking before a game against the Cardinals, he remarked, "We all know this is a part of the business and something like this could have happened. There definitely were some good times, and 2022 was special in so many ways, but last year was also the most disappointing year because I felt like we had a chance to make some noise and maybe win the whole thing." As he navigates this new chapter in his career, Goldschmidt remains hopeful that the Cardinals can build on what he left behind, while he embraces his role with the Yankees.

Rival clubs believe that the St. Louis Cardinals could entertain trade conversations surrounding right-hander Erick Fedde, as reported by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. While it’s uncertain if these discussions would take place later this spring or at some point during the season, Goold notes that the Cardinals are keen on maintaining their pitching depth. However, the organization is reportedly "open" to making a move that would lower payroll and create an opportunity in the rotation for young right-hander Michael McGreevy.
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Fedde, a former first-round pick, has shown promise but also faced inconsistencies during his career. The Cardinals' willingness to consider trading him highlights their strategic approach to managing their roster and financial flexibility. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these potential trade discussions unfold and the impact they may have on both Fedde and the Cardinals' pitching staff.

The Houston Astros have reportedly renewed their interest in acquiring St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. Previously, Arenado had vetoed a trade to the Astros due to his full no-trade clause, but recent developments suggest he might be willing to reconsider. The Astros' recent moves, including signing first baseman Christian Walker, indicate their commitment to contending, which could make the prospect of joining Houston more appealing to Arenado.
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Arenado's potential move to the Astros comes after the team lost third baseman Alex Bregman to free agency. With the Cardinals and Astros re-engaging in trade talks, Arenado's willingness to waive his no-trade clause could pave the way for a significant roster shakeup. The Cardinals are in a position to get a decent return for Arenado, whose elite defense and power-hitting capabilities make him a valuable asset. As the hot stove cools off, all eyes are on whether Arenado will don an Astros uniform for the 2025 season.