Nolan Arenado’s name has long been synonymous with elite defense. Widely regarded as one of the best third basemen to ever play the game, his reputation was built on his impeccable glove, quick reflexes, and jaw-dropping highlights. However, as the 2024 MLB season unfolds, many are asking: is Nolan Arenado’s dominance in the field coming to an end? And, if so, what does that mean for his legacy?

Arenado’s defense is where his legend was forged. Since debuting with the Colorado Rockies in 2013, he’s collected a staggering number of Gold Gloves (9 at last count), making him a fixture on highlight reels for his dazzling diving stops, lightning-fast throws, and unrivaled ability to position himself. His defense alone was often enough to elevate him into the MVP conversation, even when his bat wasn’t quite as electric.

His reputation in the field wasn’t just about making routine plays—it was about changing the course of games with plays that left fans and analysts alike in awe. Arenado set the bar for what was possible at third base, redefining expectations for the position. Yet, like all great athletes, there comes a time when even the most dominant players see their skills diminish, and many believe Arenado is starting to experience that reality.

Although his raw defensive instincts remain sharp, advanced metrics have begun to paint a more concerning picture. For the first time in his career, Arenado’s Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) have seen noticeable declines. While these stats don’t tell the entire story, they reflect the fact that Arenado may no longer be the same surefire Gold Glove winner he once was. His reaction time has slowed, and his once-legendary range isn’t what it used to be.

Arenado’s age, combined with the physical toll that comes from years of diving, twisting, and making near-impossible plays, might finally be catching up to him. The 33-year-old third baseman isn’t old by normal standards, but in the world of professional baseball, it’s an age where many players, particularly those who rely heavily on defensive skills, start to see their abilities erode.

It’s not just the defense that has people talking. Arenado has also struggled to maintain the offensive production he once did. While he’s still a capable hitter, his power numbers have plateaued, and his bat has shown signs of inconsistency. The once-feared slugger who could consistently hit 30+ home runs and drive in 100+ RBIs has turned into a more modest contributor at the plate.

The Cardinals signed Arenado to a hefty contract, hoping he could continue to be both a defensive anchor and a consistent offensive force. However, his drop in offensive production has forced many to reconsider his role on the team. Is he still worth his $35 million salary? Or are the Cardinals now paying for a name and reputation rather than the player they once acquired?

Arenado’s decline, if it continues, raises an important question about his legacy. Will he go down as one of the greatest to ever play the hot corner, or will his gradual decline tarnish his once-immaculate reputation? The answer likely lies in how he adapts to the changes in his game. If he can compensate for his diminishing range with smarter positioning, or find ways to stay productive at the plate, he could hold off any major career regression for a few more years.

However, if the decline is more rapid than anticipated, it might start to overshadow his previous accomplishments. Baseball fans and analysts alike may start to ask whether Arenado’s peak was a flash in the pan, or if he was simply the beneficiary of a prime that was built around a defensive prowess now beginning to fade.

The decline of Nolan Arenado doesn’t signal the end of elite third basemen in MLB—it merely marks the changing of the guard. Younger players, such as Manny Machado, José Ramírez, and Austin Riley, are already staking their claim as the new faces of the position. They might not yet have Arenado’s extensive resume, but they are catching up in terms of both offensive and defensive production.

Arenado’s decline could also prompt the Cardinals to rethink how they build their team around him. If his bat continues to fall off, St. Louis may need to look to other areas of the lineup to provide the power and consistency they expected from Arenado when they traded for him in 2021. The looming question is: Can Arenado reinvent himself, or will he be overshadowed by the next wave of elite third basemen.