USA Today’s Bob Nightengale recently listed several major league players who might be moved, and while the actual availability of those names is uncertain, the author uses the list as a springboard to evaluate if Arenado is a realistic and worthwhile fit for the Phillies.
Background on Arenado
Nolan Arenado became a star with the Rockies, where he had five straight top-10 MVP finishes and won eight Gold Gloves, drawing comparisons to Mike Schmidt. The Cardinals acquired him before the 2021 season, and he made the All-Star team in each of his first three years in St. Louis. However, his performance has declined in recent seasons.
Why he might be available
Arenado will be 35 at the start of the 2026 season and appears to be in the decline phase of his career. His OPS has dropped in each of the last three seasons, falling to .666 in 2025, and he missed time with a shoulder injury. Defensively he’s still above average, but no longer at his former Gold Glove level. Cardinals GM Chaim Bloom has publicly indicated they’re trying to move him and are likely willing to cover some of the $42 million he’s owed over the next two years. Arenado holds a no-trade clause, but most expect he would waive it.
Why the Phillies might be interested
Third base is one of the easier spots for the Phillies to upgrade. Alec Bohm appears to have leveled off as a decent but unspectacular player and is one year from free agency. If Arenado can rebound to something close to his 2024 line (.719 OPS with 16 homers), his defense would make him an improvement over Bohm overall.
Why the Phillies might not be interested
The Phillies have limited financial flexibility and a finite amount of trade capital. Even if the Cardinals don’t demand a major haul and are willing to eat a portion of Arenado’s salary, the question is whether the Phillies should use those scarce resources on a player who projects as only a modest upgrade at third base.
One idea floated is a “swap of problematic players,” sending Nick Castellanos for Arenado, potentially with Bohm included in a package. In that scenario—if St. Louis accepted a deal centered on Castellanos and Bohm—the author thinks the Phillies should do it. Otherwise, the conclusion is that the Phillies are better off focusing their resources on more significant upgrades elsewhere on the roster.
About the Author
