Arenado has two years remaining on his deal after 2025, making his choice one of baseball’s most substantial decisions this July. With the trade deadline fast approaching, his decision could accelerate the Cardinals’ rebuilding timeline. Gavin Groe is a contributing writer to the Athlon Sports trending and breaking news team.

Arenado has struggled offensively since the All-Star Break, leading to the Cardinals selling at the deadline. He has a .159 batting average and .417 OPS in 12 games since the break. The Redbirds are just 3-9 in those games, knocking them further back in the playoff race.

However, he wasn't dealt and remained in St. Louis. But, the next day, as Katie Woo of The Athletic reports, the Cardinals are losing Arenado to the injured list with a shoulder issue. He'll go on the 10-day injured list, as Nolan Gorman is activated in his place.