Looking Back: Nolan Arenado on ‘What Could Have Been’ with the Rockies

What if the Rockies had made bolder moves at the 2018 trade deadline? This question still echoes among fans and players alike, highlighting the team’s crucial decisions at that time.

In 2018, the Rockies had built a strong roster. They won 91 games but lost the National League West title to the Dodgers in a thrilling Game 163. Players like Nolan Arenado, then at his peak, argued that a few well-placed trades could have pushed the team over the edge. “I think we were more disappointed with the lack of deadline moves,” he remarked. “If we had just added a bit more, we could have won the division.”

Arenado, now 34, crafted an impressive resume as a 10-time Gold Glove winner. He was traded to the Cardinals in 2021 after signing a massive eight-year, $260 million contract. His departure and the Rockies’ hesitance to retain key players like DJ LeMahieu—a tough and talented second baseman who shone with the Yankees—are still hard to digest for fans.

The 2018 team featured a powerhouse lineup. Arenado led with an impressive .297 batting average, hitting 38 home runs. DJ LeMahieu and Trevor Story also contributed significantly. Ian Desmond, Charlie Blackmon, and Carlos Gonzalez rounded out a dynamic offense. The pitching staff, anchored by Kyle Freeland and German Marquez, promised a bright future.

Even now, Freeland reflects on the lost potential. “Every organization can look back at players who were let go,” he said. “What if we had DJ, Story, and Nolan together for longer?”

The camaraderie on the 2018 squad was notable, with players showing exceptional work ethic and enthusiasm. Arenado noted a difference in today’s atmosphere. “Back then, we were excited to be at the field early and stayed late,” he observed. Nowadays, that intense drive seems to have waned.

Experts suggest that team cohesion and motivation can significantly impact performance. A recent study published in the Journal of Sports Psychology found that strong team relationships lead to better overall performance. The Rockies may have lost more than just talented players; they lost a team spirit that once thrived.

The Rockies’ recent struggles—nearing seven consecutive losing seasons—offer a stark contrast to that 2018 promise. As they head towards a potential third straight season with 100 losses, the “what ifs” linger in the minds of fans and players. Would a few strategic moves have changed the course of their franchise?

This story isn’t just about baseball. It’s a reminder of how crucial decisions shape the future. For now, Rockies fans can only hope that lessons from the past will guide the team into a brighter future.

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