Cardinals Likely to Explore Trade Options for Nolan Arenado
While the St. Louis Cardinals’ upcoming roster reset is not expected to include trades involving Willson Contreras or Sonny Gray — both of whom have no-trade clauses and are reportedly happy in St. Louis — the team will likely explore the market for several other big-name players, including third baseman Nolan Arenado. According to Derrick Goold of the *St. Louis Post-Dispatch*, the Cardinals will use the next few weeks to gauge trade interest in Arenado and assess potential offers. If any promising trade opportunities arise, the team will then approach Arenado to discuss whether he’d be willing to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a deal.
Arenado, who turns 34 in April, is under contract for three more seasons, with $74 million remaining on his deal. The Colorado Rockies are still on the hook for $10 million of that sum, covering $5 million in both 2025 and 2026, which could make the contract more attractive to potential suitors. While Arenado is still regarded as one of the game’s top defenders — a 10-time Gold Glove winner and six-time Platinum Glove recipient — his offensive production has declined over the past two seasons. Since the start of 2023, he has posted a .269/.320/.426 slash line with a 104 wRC+, which is above average but not at the elite level he once maintained.
Once a consistent 30-to-40 home run hitter, Arenado has seen his power significantly drop in recent years. This past season, his .123 isolated slugging percentage was the lowest of his career, and his 16 home runs in 635 plate appearances were his fewest since his rookie year in 2013. Though Arenado’s contact skills remain solid, his strikeout rate has risen slightly, and his power numbers, including exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard-hit rate, were all well below league average in 2023. Additionally, his walk rate has also dipped in recent years.
These factors — combined with Arenado’s hefty salary and no-trade rights — make a trade challenging, but it’s possible his no-trade clause may not be as much of an obstacle as it would be for other players. Arenado’s departure from Colorado was partly motivated by his frustration with the team’s inability to compete, and he chose to stay with the Cardinals in 2023 after turning down an opt-out clause, seeking to play for a contender.
While a trade of Arenado is far from certain, there are several teams in need of third-base help, including the Yankees, Mariners, Astros (if Alex Bregman departs), Blue Jays, Tigers, and Royals. If Pete Alonso signs elsewhere, the Mets could also look to move Mark Vientos to first base and target a third baseman. Though the Dodgers don’t currently need a third baseman, they’ve been linked to Arenado in the past.
Nolan Arenado
Trading Arenado would align with the Cardinals’ offseason plan to create more playing time for younger talent. For example, the Cardinals have already committed to moving Contreras to first base to open up more opportunities for 24-year-old Ivan Herrera behind the plate. Moving Arenado could also allow for more at-bats for Jordan Walker at third base — a position he’s struggled to transition away from — or for Nolan Gorman. Additionally, trading Arenado would free up significant payroll over the next three years, potentially giving the Cardinals more financial flexibility as they continue their retooling efforts.
