Arenado Grade

[Jatalk]

Since his acquisition until now how would you grade the Arenado acquisition? A thru F or simply Good , Neutral or Bust?

I’m at a D+ and Bust. Expectations were so high and reality is disappointing.

[MIDMOBIRDTWO]

Since his acquisition until now how would you grade the Arenado acquisition? A thru F or simply Good , Neutral or Bust?

I’m at a D+ and Bust. Expectations were so high and reality is disappointing.

Overall B. But working his way down to D+ for the past couple of years. He is a defensive stud, but sometimes gets frustrated when the hits are not coming and it shows in his body language. That hurts the overall team and they have to win in spite of him instead of because of him. The situation is complex and him being on the trade block may have affected his attitude somewhat, which is not a surprise.

[ecleme22]

Since his acquisition until now how would you grade the Arenado acquisition? A thru F or simply Good , Neutral or Bust?

I’m at a D+ and Bust. Expectations were so high and reality is disappointing.

I wished you wrote this OP ten days ago. Then this OP today. And compared.

[jbrach]

a B- given his one near MVP season

[Basil Shabazz]

Over his entire Cardinal tenure… a solid B

This year…. a C-

[Futuregm2]

I'd say a B for his whole tenure. For this year I'd give him a C.

2021: B+ (.255 avg/34 HR/105 RBI/.807 OPS/GG defense)
2022: A (.293 avg/30 HR/103 RBI/.891 OPS/GG defense)
2023: B (.266 avg/26 HR/93 RBI/.774 OPS)
2024: C (.272 avg/16 HR/71 RBI/.719 OPS)
2025: C (.247 avg/4 HR/18 RBI/.703 OPS)

[ecleme22]

I'd say a B for his whole tenure. For this year I'd give him a C.

2021: B+ (.255 avg/34 HR/105 RBI/.807 OPS/GG defense)
2022: A (.293 avg/30 HR/103 RBI/.891 OPS/GG defense)
2023: B (.266 avg/26 HR/93 RBI/.774 OPS)
2024: C (.272 avg/16 HR/71 RBI/.719 OPS)
2025: C (.247 avg/4 HR/18 RBI/.703 OPS)

Not to nitpick, but ‘22 was an A+

[OldRed]

He was an excellent player who at this time is an ordinary player. From a B+ to a C in my opinion.

[Monsieur De Treville]

Since his acquisition until now how would you grade the Arenado acquisition? A thru F or simply Good , Neutral or Bust?

I’m at a D+ and Bust. Expectations were so high and reality is disappointing.

I think your grade is somewhat harsh...

First three seasons he averaged 30 HR and 100 RBI.
Made three All Star teams.
Led league with 7.9 fWAR in 2022.
Won two GG, two Platinum Gloves, and a silver slugger.

How can one achieve the above and be labeled a bust?
I think your expectations may have been too high...

[Jatalk]

Since his acquisition until now how would you grade the Arenado acquisition? A thru F or simply Good , Neutral or Bust?

I’m at a D+ and Bust. Expectations were so high and reality is disappointing.

I think your grade is somewhat harsh...

First three seasons he averaged 30 HR and 100 RBI.
Made three All Star teams.
Led league with 7.9 fWAR in 2022.
Won two GG, two Platinum Gloves, and a silver slugger.

How can one achieve the above and be labeled a bust?
I think your expectations may have been too high...

I think you’re right. My view is probably tainted by last couple of years. I’ll have to go back and look but I do think his limited playoff appearances with Cards were not great but your points are well made.

[rockondlouie]

First three years 2021 - 2023:

A+
90 HR
301 RBI
.271 .328 .495 .824
126 OPS+
3 all-star appearances
2 Gold Gloves
1 Silver Slugger
3rd in MVP voting 2022

2024 - Present:

C-
.266 .324 .391 .716
100 OPS+
20 HR
89 RBI

[3dender]

First three years 2021 - 2023:

A+
90 HR
301 RBI
.271 .328 .495 .824
126 OPS+
3 all-star appearances
2 Gold Gloves
1 Silver Slugger
3rd in MVP voting 2022

2024 - Present:

C-
.266 .324 .391 .716
100 OPS+
20 HR
89 RBI

Agree

And even in this C- offensive year his defense is an A. Last year his defense was uncharacteristically poor. Trade was at least a B so far... but will likely be trending downward over the next few years unless they're able to trade him sooner than later.

[Wattage]

Since his acquisition until now how would you grade the Arenado acquisition? A thru F or simply Good , Neutral or Bust?

I’m at a D+ and Bust. Expectations were so high and reality is disappointing.

I think your grade is somewhat harsh...

First three seasons he averaged 30 HR and 100 RBI.
Made three All Star teams.
Led league with 7.9 fWAR in 2022.
Won two GG, two Platinum Gloves, and a silver slugger.

How can one achieve the above and be labeled a bust?
I think your expectations may have been too high...

The 1st year was still a bit down from his career expectations but overall a very solid year.

The 3rd year 2023 rbis are there but people overrate rbis. Besides relying on teammates, it doesnt tlel me if it was in a close game or stat padding in a blowout. He hit .192 with a .635 ops with 2 outs risp 2023. He hit
216 with a .719 ops in late and close situations in 2023. He hit .235 with a .747 ops in high leverage situations. 2023 was not a good year and the worst in his career at time other than injury plagued covid season. No way that isnt a disappointment. He had 1 great season. 1 mvp running season, the its looking at 3 years of disappointment.

[sp25]

Every time I glance at the post title I think someone is writing about Ariana Grande.

[rockondlouie]

First three years 2021 - 2023:

A+
90 HR
301 RBI
.271 .328 .495 .824
126 OPS+
3 all-star appearances
2 Gold Gloves
1 Silver Slugger
3rd in MVP voting 2022

2024 - Present:

C-
.266 .324 .391 .716
100 OPS+
20 HR
89 RBI

Agree

And even in this C- offensive year his defense is an A. Last year his defense was uncharacteristically poor. Trade was at least a B so far... but will likely be trending downward over the next few years unless they're able to trade him sooner than later.

That it is and even in the down 2024-present period offensively he's still league average w/that 100 OPS+.

Trade was a massive winner as the Cardinals gave up nothing for a three time Cardinal all-star.

And while his offensive is indeed tending downward, so is his SALARY ($22M in 2026 & $15M in 2027 w/$4M total deferred in 26'/27')!

[JDW]

I'd say a B for his whole tenure. For this year I'd give him a C.

2021: B+ (.255 avg/34 HR/105 RBI/.807 OPS/GG defense)
2022: A (.293 avg/30 HR/103 RBI/.891 OPS/GG defense)
2023: B (.266 avg/26 HR/93 RBI/.774 OPS)
2024: C (.272 avg/16 HR/71 RBI/.719 OPS)
2025: C (.247 avg/4 HR/18 RBI/.703 OPS)

2021 A
2022 A
2023 B
2024 C
2025 D

Overall a B.

Would I be afraid to trade him before this year's deadline? No.
Do I think trading him before the deadline ruins this teams chances this year? No.