Where would the Cards be had they just held on to Arenado?

[Randall Pink]

.270 with 8 and 28. 128 OPS+. They got virtually nothing in return and are still paying the bulk of his salary. Major mistake?

[GeddyWrox]

Welcome to the board, Randall.

I don't think we can assume he'd have the same numbers if he stayed here. I also think that giving the younger players space to be themselves has led to a good bit of the new energy we're seeing this season.

It's a bummer that we didn't get more of vintage Arenado, but it was time for him to move on. I'm happy that he's having some success again, but I'm enjoying watching the kids play this year.

[Popeye_Card]

.682 OPS on the road vs. .960 at home. My guess is that if he were still a Cardinal, he’d still be looking approximately like the 2024 and 2026 versions.

Which yes, is still better than Gorman.

[Randall Pink]

And I suppose I could play the “what if” game with Donny as well but the difference obviously is the quality of prospect Cijntje is compared to Jack Martinez.

[heyzeus]

If we had kept Arenado, would we be starting Gorman at second base all year to "give him a look to see what we have" and keep JJ in the minors so he'd get regular playing time? It seems like that would've been the case.

It's an interesting Sliding Doors question, because if JJ continues his trajectory to ROY, the Cardinals get an extra pick after the first round. That's a valuable thing.

[cardsfantx]

If we had kept Arenado, would we be starting Gorman at second base all year to "give him a look to see what we have" and keep JJ in the minors so he'd get regular playing time? It seems like that would've been the case.

It's an interesting Sliding Doors question, because if JJ continues his trajectory to ROY, the Cardinals get an extra pick after the first round. That's a valuable thing.

and then we can draft the new Gorman

[CardsofSTL]

We would have a really good defensive third baseman but I don't think the offense would be there. Arizona is much more friendly to hitters.

I do think we might have seen a little better version of Nolan than last year just because I think he is healthier; but the change of hometown laundry is helping his bat the most.

[jagtrader]

Most likely worse.

[TGantz]

If we had kept Arenado, would we be starting Gorman at second base all year to "give him a look to see what we have" and keep JJ in the minors so he'd get regular playing time? It seems like that would've been the case.

It's an interesting Sliding Doors question, because if JJ continues his trajectory to ROY, the Cardinals get an extra pick after the first round. That's a valuable thing.

and then we can draft the new Gorman

I lol'd. Perfect use of that gif.