3 John Mozeliak moves that came back to haunt the Cardinals, and one that worked out

Mozeliak move that worked out for Cardinals: Nolan Arenado

John Mozeliak making the trade to acquire Nolan Arenado was the most shockingly pleasant transaction he’s completed. In February 2021, he was traded by the Colorado Rockies to the Cardinals for Mateo Gil, Tony Locey, Jake Sommers, Austin Gomber, and Elehuris Montero. To make the deal sweeter, the Rockies are even paying a portion of Arenado’s contract.

Arenado is signed through 2027 with a nine-year deal worth $275M. He continues to win the NL Gold Glove, be an All-Star, and be in contention for the NL MVP. This season he has struggled but was still named a starter for the NL All-Stars.

In addition to making some spectacular plays at third base this season, he is hitting .274/.322/.485 with an OPS of .807 with 16 home runs and 54 RBI. He started this season off terribly, but he’s worked hard to get where he is this season.

In 16 games for the Rockies this season, Austin Gomber has a record of 5-7 with a 7.01 ERA. He struck out 53 games over 77 innings.

Since Arenado came to the Cardinals, there has been much anxiety amongst the fanbase that he will opt out of his contract or request a trade. Arenado, however, always says he is happy to be with the Cardinals. For some reason, Cardinal fans seem to want the worst from this deal, as if they are still shocked Mozeliak pulled the deal off.

Seeing Arenado in a Cardinal uniform is still shocking, but he’s seemingly happy with them. Cardinals fans are having a lousy season, but they should remember – Nolan Arenado is a Cardinal.