St. Louis Shocker: David Freese Announces Comeback Bid to Compete with Nolan Arenado

St. Louis Shocker: David Freese Announces Comeback Bid to Compete with Nolan Arenado

 Freese Returns, Cardinals’ Hot Corner Heats Up

ST. LOUIS — In a move no one saw coming, David Freese, the 2011 World Series MVP and St. Louis hometown hero, has announced his return to baseball—and not just as a ceremonial figure. The 41-year-old third baseman is launching a competitive comeback with the St. Louis Cardinals, declaring his intent to challenge incumbent superstar Nolan Arenado for time at third base.

Freese made the stunning announcement Monday morning at Busch Stadium, standing alongside Cardinals president John Mozeliak and manager Oli Marmol.

“This isn’t just a farewell tour,” Freese said. “I’ve been training, I feel great, and I want to compete. I know what Nolan represents—he’s an incredible talent. But I believe I still have something to offer this team, on the field and in the clubhouse.”

The news sent shockwaves through the baseball world. Freese, who retired after the 2019 season following a strong late-career run with the Pirates and Dodgers, has kept a relatively low profile since stepping away—until now.

While the idea of competing with Nolan Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glove winner and perennial MVP candidate, seems like a longshot, Freese insists this is no publicity stunt.

“This is about legacy, passion, and earning everything,” Freese said. “I’m not here for a handout. I’m here for a shot.”

The Legend, the Star, and the Future of the Hot Corner

David Freese is royalty in Cardinals lore. His walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series is among the most iconic moments in baseball history. That postseason run—highlighted by clutch after clutch at-bat—cemented his place in St. Louis hearts forever.

But now, he’s attempting something almost unheard of: returning to play after five years away and targeting a position currently held by one of the top players in the game.

Nolan Arenado, acquired by St. Louis in 2021, has been the team’s anchor on both offense and defense. He’s won a Gold Glove in every full season of his career and continues to deliver middle-of-the-lineup production. Despite a slight dip in power numbers during the 2024 season, he remains a fan favorite and a team leader.

Still, Cardinals management appears open-minded—perhaps even intrigued—by what Freese could bring.

“We’re not treating this like a novelty,” said Mozeliak. “David’s earned the right to be evaluated seriously. Nolan is our guy at third base, no question, but competition never hurt anyone.”

Arenado, for his part, welcomed the challenge with class and confidence.

“I’ve looked up to David since I was a rookie,” Arenado said. “He’s a legend in this town, and if he wants to push himself and make us better, I’m all for it. But I’m still planning on being the guy at third.”

Freese’s potential value may go beyond his glove. With several young infielders like Thomas Saggese and Cesar Prieto developing, Freese could serve as a mentor while providing veteran depth at third and DH—especially against left-handed pitching.

 Can Freese Really Compete—and What Comes Next?

Skeptics abound, and not without reason. Few players have successfully returned to MLB after five years off, let alone at a position demanding the reflexes and arm strength of third base. Freese has reportedly been training with professional instructors for the past 18 months, focusing on agility, bat speed, and hip mobility.

“I feel better now than I did in 2018,” he said. “I’ve had time to heal, to focus. I’m not pretending to be the guy I was in 2011—but I know I can still help this team win.”

The Cardinals will bring Freese into summer workouts and fall training camp as a non-roster invitee, giving him a chance to showcase his readiness against live pitching and game-speed conditions. If he shows signs of being able to contribute, the team may carry him as a part-time player or reserve hitter.

Fans appear split between cautious optimism and full-on romanticism.

“If he steps into Busch and laces one into the gap, I might cry,” said longtime fan Michael Chambers. “We’ll never forget 2011. If he’s serious and earns it, how do you not root for him?”

The story also adds another layer of intrigue to the Cardinals’ already high-pressure 2025 campaign. After back-to-back seasons without a deep playoff run, the team is eager to return to championship contention—and perhaps rekindle some of the magic that Freese once embodied.

“We’re not playing games here,” Marmol said. “David knows the expectations. But we also know who he is. If there’s even a chance he can help this team win, we owe it to ourselves—and to him—to find out.”

Final Thoughts: A Hollywood Sequel in the Making?

In a sport that’s always evolving, moments like this remind us why we love the game. Whether David Freese ends up cracking the Opening Day roster or simply inspiring the next generation, his story represents the heart of baseball: resilience, belief, and the pursuit of one more chance.

So while the odds are long, don’t count him out just yet.

After all, David Freese has been counted out before. And we all remember what happened next.