The St. Louis Cardinals are once again looking to offload a specific key player in the offseason. Team officials previously attempted to trade Nolan Arenado at this point last year. A potential deal, however, could not be struck. As a result, the 8-time All-Star third baseman remained with the Cards for the 2025 season.
In his prime, Arenado was once seen as one of the top players at his position. In addition to his All-Star appearances, the third baseman also collected multiple Silver Slugger awards and Platinum Gloves. Nevertheless, now 34, the star’s statistics have diminished in recent seasons. This includes recently recording career lows in OBP (.289), slugging (.377), and OPS (.666).
Along with lower production, Arenado is still owed $37 million by the Cardinals for the next two years. No team in the league will want to take on that full salary to acquire the former All-Star. St. Louis is fully aware of this and knows that they will have to cover some of Arenado’s wages to make a trade work.
St. Louis Cardinals Exec Admits Both Sides Want Deal Done
GettyNolan Arenado looks set to leave the St. Louis Cardinals after five seasons.
While St. Louis has been unsuccessful in finding a trade partner, they are still actively trying to part ways with Arenado. Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom has even revealed that both sides want a deal done. Bloom told Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he spoke with Arenado’s agent about the ordeal on November 10.
“We’re on the same page that it does make sense for everybody to find a different fit,” stated Bloom, as reported by Goold. “Obviously, what that’s going to look like if and when that’s going to happen – I don’t have those answers yet. We’ve agreed on that (the fit). So now it’s really about how do we go about that?”
On top of Arenado’s salary and low production on the field, the third baseman also has a no-trade clause in his contract. This gives Arenado full control over his future. Bloom also discussed the difficulties in dealing with players in these situations.
“In talking with these guys because of having that no-trade protection, they have more of a seat at the table than a player usually might in this situation,” continued Bloom. “So part of the conversation is how do you want me to handle this? How much do you want to hear from me?”
Red Sox Expected to be in on Arenado Sweepstakes
One specific team that has been linked with Arenado is the Boston Red Sox. The American League team could have a major hole to fill if Alex Bregman does not re-sign in Beantown. Bregman recently opted out of his contract with the Red Sox, but team officials are trying to get him to commit to a new deal.
Assuming this does not work, Boston Globe reporter Tim Healey expects the team to target Arenado as a backup plan. “Arenado is good friends with Trevor Story, and the Red Sox were close on a deal with St. Louis in February before Alex Bregman signed,” claimed Healey. “And Arenado is more than willing to move off third base — where he has won 10 Gold Gloves — to first base or elsewhere, a league source said.”
Bregman seems unlikely to re-sign with Boston. In fact, ESPN’s Jeff Passan believes that the star would be perfect for the Philadelphia Phillies. Because of this, Arenado moving east seems somewhat likely. Bloom also has personal ties to the Red Sox. The exec previously worked in the Red Sox front office from 2020 to 2023.
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