3 Cardinals MVP candidates, and 1 player who should be benched
By Mark Powell
Cardinals MVP candidate: Nolan Arenado
Nolan Arenado is overshadowed on a Cards team which features the likes of Paul Goldschmidt, Willson Contreras and more, but he’s started this season better than last. In 2022, Arenado was an All-Star and won yet another Gold Glove. He’s one of the best defensive players at his positions and treats fielding like an art form.
Yet, we should be talking about Arenado’s bat more often. The so-called Coors Field effect has no made much of an impact on Arenado, who is now in his third season with the Cards and well on his way to his third All-Star team and silver slugger in that span. The increased media attention for Nolan has only helped his value in a larger market.
In Arenado’s recent return to Colorado, he reflected on his time as a Rockie but also the fact that he no longer feels like he’s facing his former team, per say. The turnover in Denver has been notable.
"“I think it’s a little bit different when I’m facing guys like Márquez and Kyle,” Arenado said of the emotional significance of his return to Denver. “Basically, with everyone else, it goes back to just another game. The fact I’m facing former teammates that we had some good times together, it’s always kind of tough and kind of weird. Besides Charlie (Blackmon) and (Ryan) McMahon a little bit, nobody’s really there from the time I was there.”"
Arenado has routinely shaken off distractions, and his output reflects a player who can be relied upon time and time again.