As the MLB season progresses, trade speculations are heating up, particularly for the St. Louis Cardinals, who recently secured their fourth consecutive win against the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, the team faced a setback with the unexpected scratch of third baseman Nolan Arenado right before their latest matchup. Speculation surrounding Arenado's potential departure from St. Louis has been brewing since last season, ignited by a cryptic Instagram post featuring Kendrick Lamar's 'Dodger Blue.' While the specifics behind his absence from the lineup remain unknown, it raises concerns about whether it is injury-related or merely a day of rest for the veteran.

Arenado's performance this season has been steady, recording a batting average of .256, an on-base percentage of .342, and an OPS of .738, with three home runs and 14 RBIs over 34 games. With the trade deadline looming on July 30, fantasy owners and analysts alike are keeping a close watch on his situation, as any movement could significantly impact both his value and that of the Cardinals.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes continues to struggle against the St. Louis Cardinals, now holding a 0-4 record in five starts after a narrow 2-1 defeat. Skenes pitched well, allowing just two runs on three hits across six innings, but a critical mistake to Alec Burleson, who hit a two-run double, sealed his fate. This loss sees the Pirates extend their current losing streak to six games. Despite a solid 2.75 ERA in his matchups with St. Louis, Skenes has received minimal run support, totaling only three runs in his five outings against them.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol praised his team's approach, noting their ability to drive up Skenes' pitch count and compete through deep at-bats. Meanwhile, Pirates manager Derek Shelton expressed frustration over the offensive inconsistency, emphasizing the need for run support to ease the pressure on Skenes. Third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of timely hitting to relieve the burden on their pitchers.

In 2025, Anthony Rendon still commands the highest salary among MLB third basemen at $38.6 million, despite a challenging tenure with the Los Angeles Angels. Plagued by injuries, he has played only 257 games since 2021. Following him are Nolan Arenado with $29.5 million and Alex Bregman at $25.9 million. The list includes notable names such as Matt Chapman and Austin Riley, reflecting the diverse talents in this position. While Rendon’s high contract hasn't justified his on-field contributions, he remains atop the salary rankings.

The Chicago Cubs face a pivotal moment as the trade deadline approaches, particularly in replacing Matt Shaw. With limited options for third basemen available, they may pursue a trade for St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Arenado, despite the rivalry. Alternatively, Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays could be a viable target, especially with his contract expiring. Bichette, currently hitting .295, may be a perfect fit for the Cubs' lineup if he transitions to third base.

Recent discussions indicate that the Blue Jays might hesitate to offer Bichette a lucrative extension, potentially opening opportunities for the Cubs. With a strong farm system, Chicago could present an enticing package for either player. As they navigate these decisions, the Cubs must weigh the impact of such trades on both short-term success and long-term strategy.

Coors Field, now celebrating its 30th birthday, stands as an iconic venue in Major League Baseball, renowned for its unique atmosphere and high-scoring games. With a staggering 6,319 home runs hit, it has witnessed countless memorable moments, from historic walk-off homers to record-breaking performances. Fans have experienced everything from blizzards to home runs in tiebreaker games, showcasing the resilience and passion of the teams that have played there.

The Rockies have had their fair share of dramatic moments, highlighted by Todd Helton's walk-off victories and Nolan Arenado's impressive cycles. The field has also been a stage for extraordinary feats, such as Hideo Nomo's no-hitter and Charlie Blackmon’s euphoric home-opening game. Each season brings new stories, and this milestone anniversary evokes nostalgia and excitement for what the future holds.