St Louis cardinals Third baseman Nolan Arenado Has Done it Again, making major Announcements, Head coach Oliver Marmol React shock…
St. Louis Cardinals Third Baseman Nolan Arenado Has Done It Again, Making Major Announcement — Manager Oliver Marmol Reacts in Shock
St. Louis, MO – May 9, 2025 — In a surprising turn of events that has left St. Louis Cardinals fans stunned and Manager Oliver Marmol visibly shaken, star third baseman Nolan Arenado has once again found himself at the center of a major headline — this time off the field. The 34-year-old veteran announced on Friday morning that he will step away from Major League Baseball at the end of the 2025 season, citing his desire to focus on family, mental wellness, and a long-anticipated transition into coaching and philanthropy.
“This game has given me more than I ever imagined,” Arenado said during a press conference at Busch Stadium. “But after this season, it’s time for me to move on — to be a full-time dad, a mentor, and to give back in ways that I’ve dreamed about for years.”
The news sent a shockwave through the Cardinals clubhouse and the broader baseball world. Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glove winner and 8-time All-Star, has long been a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ roster since being traded from the Colorado Rockies in 2021. He has continued to perform at an elite level, batting .291 with 15 home runs and 43 RBIs so far this season.
Manager Oliver Marmol, who spoke just minutes after Arenado’s announcement, admitted the news took him by surprise.
“I’m shocked, honestly. He’s still playing at such a high level. We’ve built our team around his leadership and his passion,” Marmol said. “But at the same time, I respect it. Nolan has always been a thoughtful person, and if he feels this is the right time, we support him.”
Arenado’s decision didn’t stem from injury or any decline in performance. In fact, he made it clear that he feels “healthy and strong” but emphasized a personal shift in priorities.
“I’ve spent over a decade grinding, traveling, pushing every limit. I love this game — but I also love my family, and I want to be more present. I want to help the next generation, not just in baseball but in life,” he said.
As part of his post-retirement plans, Arenado announced the creation of The Arenado Foundation, an initiative aimed at supporting underprivileged youth in both California and Missouri through baseball clinics, scholarships, and mental health programs.
“There are a lot of kids out there with the talent but not the resources. I was lucky to have support early in my career. I want to be that support for others,” he added.
Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak praised Arenado’s legacy and expressed gratitude for his impact both on and off the field.
“Nolan will go down as one of the greatest third basemen in franchise history,” Mozeliak said. “His intensity, his work ethic, and his leadership set the standard for our team. While we’ll miss him in the lineup, his legacy here is permanent.”
Fans took to social media in droves, expressing shock but also admiration for Arenado’s decision.
One fan posted: “Heartbroken to see Nolan go, but proud of him for stepping into something meaningful. True legend.”
Another wrote: “Cardinals baseball won’t be the same without Arenado at third. He gave us everything.”
Teammates, too, were emotional. Paul Goldschmidt, Arenado’s longtime friend and fellow team leader, said, “We’ve shared a lot of battles, and I’ve learned so much from him. He’s not just a great player, he’s a great human being.”
Arenado made it clear that he plans to stay close to the game. He has already been in talks with Cardinals leadership about returning in an advisory or coaching capacity after some time away.
“Baseball is in my blood. I’m not disappearing — I just need to take a step back, reset, and return in a new role,” he said with a smile.
With the remainder of the 2025 season ahead, Arenado said he’s focused on finishing strong and helping lead the Cardinals to another postseason appearance.
“I owe it to my teammates, this city, and the fans to give everything I’ve got until my last out. This isn’t goodbye yet — not until we’ve made one more run,” he concluded.
As Nolan Arenado begins the farewell tour of a storied MLB career, fans across the league will undoubtedly watch with admiration and gratitude — for the excellence he brought to third base, and for the lasting impact he’s set to make far beyond the diamond.