Cardinals exploring blockbuster trade of Nolan Arenado

Cardinals Considering Trading Star Third Baseman Nolan Arenado

It’s not every day you hear about a team potentially parting ways with one of its biggest stars, but that’s exactly what’s happening with the St. Louis Cardinals. The team is reportedly exploring the possibility of trading their All-Star third baseman, Nolan Arenado, as part of their rebuilding efforts. And let’s be honest, this news has sent shockwaves through the baseball world.

Team president John Mozeliak didn’t hold back when addressing the situation during MLB’s winter meetings in Dallas. “[Having Arenado remain a Cardinal] is a possibility, but I’m not sure that puts us where we want to be,” Mozeliak said. “From a financial standpoint of trying to move our payroll, there are certainly other ways to do that, but [dealing Arenado] would be a big help. It’s financial, but it also creates a runway for someone else.”

Translation? The Cardinals are looking to shake things up, and moving Arenado could be a major part of that plan. But don’t get it twisted—this isn’t a case of Arenado demanding a trade. Mozeliak made it clear that the decision is more about what’s best for both sides. “These decisions are not something we ever take lightly. [Arenado] is not demanding a trade. He’s not telling me I have to do it, but I think in the best interest of both sides, I’d like to try to find him someplace to land.”

Arenado’s Contract and No-Trade Clause

Here’s where things get a little tricky. Arenado, who’s 33 years old, is under contract through 2027. He’s set to earn $32 million in 2025, $27 million in 2026, and $15 million in 2027. That’s a hefty price tag for any team, but it’s not just the money that complicates things. Arenado also has a full no-trade clause, meaning he has the power to veto any potential deal. He waived this clause once before when he was traded from the Colorado Rockies to the Cardinals back on February 1, 2021, but only after receiving significant financial incentives.

“[The no-trade clause] is a complicating task, but again we’ve had open dialogue, and we understand where this may end,” Mozeliak said. So, while a trade isn’t impossible, it’s far from a done deal.

Arenado’s 2024 Season: A Down Year?

Let’s talk numbers. Arenado is an eight-time All-Star and a 10-time Gold Glove winner, but 2024 wasn’t exactly his best season. For the first time in his 12-year MLB career, he didn’t make the National League All-Star team or win a Gold Glove. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a player of his caliber.

In 2024, Arenado hit .272 with a .325 on-base percentage, a .394 slugging percentage, 16 home runs, and 71 RBIs in 152 games. Those home run and RBI totals? The lowest he’s posted in a full season in the last decade, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. While those numbers are still solid by most standards, they’re not what we’ve come to expect from Arenado.

Cardinals’ 2024 Season: Falling Short

As for the Cardinals, they’re coming off an 83-79 season that saw them tie for second place in the NL Central. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to secure a playoff spot. For a team with a rich history of postseason success, missing the playoffs is a big deal. It’s clear the organization feels the need to make some bold moves to get back on track, and trading Arenado could be one of them.

What’s Next for Arenado and the Cardinals?

So, what does the future hold for Arenado and the Cardinals? That’s the million-dollar question—or, in this case, the multi-million-dollar question. If the Cardinals do decide to trade Arenado, it could signal a major shift in the team’s direction. On the flip side, Arenado could find himself on a new team, potentially one that’s in a better position to contend for a championship.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key points:

• Arenado is under contract through 2027, with a full no-trade clause.
• He’s coming off a down year by his standards, with career-low home run and RBI totals in a full season.
• The Cardinals missed the playoffs in 2024 and are looking to rebuild.
• Team president John Mozeliak has been open about the possibility of trading Arenado.

One thing’s for sure: this story is far from over. Whether Arenado stays in St. Louis or ends up wearing a different uniform next season, it’s going to be fascinating to watch how it all unfolds. For now, all we can do is wait and see what the Cardinals decide to do—and how Arenado responds.