Nolan Arenado Trade Rumors Heat Up: Could the Cardinals Star Be on the Move?
It’s not every day you hear about a player of Nolan Arenado’s caliber being on the trade block, but here we are. The St. Louis Cardinals’ eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove-winning third baseman could be on the move, and the baseball world is buzzing. Arenado’s agent, Joel Wolfe, confirmed Tuesday during the MLB Winter Meetings in Dallas that discussions with the Cardinals’ front office about a potential trade are “ongoing.”
At 33 years old, Arenado is reportedly open to a change of scenery, especially as the Cardinals enter what looks to be a rebuilding phase. With the team unlikely to contend for a playoff spot in 2025, Arenado’s desire to win is driving the conversation. “Nolan wants to win, and there’s more details, but that’s really between them,” Wolfe said. “Nolan’s willing to strongly consider it, if it’s the right place to go, but he’s not going to go just anywhere.”
And here’s the kicker: Arenado has a full no-trade clause, meaning he has the final say on any potential deal. “He has that right, and he’s a veteran player,” Wolfe added. “We hope something good happens, but he’s not going to approve and move his family and go play (just anywhere).”
Willing to Switch Positions
In a surprising twist, Arenado has even offered to switch positions to help facilitate a trade. While he’s been a defensive wizard at third base for over a decade, he’s open to playing first base if it helps a deal get done. “Nolan was like, ‘I’ll play shortstop, I’ll do whatever, but I’m not insulted to go play first, and I can win a Gold Glove over there,’” Wolfe revealed.
One team that has reportedly shown interest is the New York Yankees. The Yankees could keep Arenado at third base and shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second, assuming free agent Gleyber Torres doesn’t re-sign. The flexibility Arenado is offering could make him an even more attractive trade target for teams looking to bolster their infield.
What’s the Catch?
While Arenado’s willingness to adapt is commendable, there are some concerns. His offensive production dipped in 2024, as he hit just 16 home runs—the fewest since his rookie season in 2013. Additionally, he’s owed $74 million over the final three years of his contract, which could be a sticking point for some teams.
Still, Arenado’s track record speaks for itself. He’s one of the most decorated players in the game, and his leadership and defensive prowess could be invaluable to a contending team. The question is: Who’s willing to take the plunge?
Seiya Suzuki Also in Trade Talks
Arenado isn’t the only big name making waves at the Winter Meetings. Chicago Cubs outfielder and designated hitter Seiya Suzuki is also drawing trade interest. Like Arenado, Suzuki has a full no-trade clause, giving him control over his future. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has been in contact with Suzuki’s camp, but it’s unclear if a deal will materialize.
“I talked to [Hoyer] about it [Monday] night,” Wolfe said. “He told me what teams they’ve been talking to. I don’t think he wants to trade, but there may be a scenario where he feels like he has a deal that he can’t say no to.”
Teams like the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners are reportedly in the mix. The Red Sox are looking for right-handed hitting, while the Mariners are eager to improve their overall offense. However, it’s unclear if Suzuki would waive his no-trade clause for either team.
Suzuki’s Stellar Season
Suzuki is coming off a career-best season, posting a 138 OPS-plus in 2024—a number that has improved in each of his three MLB seasons. He has two years remaining on the five-year, $85 million deal he signed with the Cubs in 2022. Despite his offensive success, Suzuki struggled defensively in 2024 and ended the season as the Cubs’ regular designated hitter.
According to Wolfe, Suzuki isn’t thrilled about being a full-time DH. “I think that if he was being posted in Japan [now] and teams were presenting to them their opportunities and they said you could come here and be our full-time DH, I don’t think he would have signed with that team,” Wolfe explained.
Whether promising Suzuki a chance to play the field would entice him to waive his no-trade clause remains to be seen. The Cubs could also use the DH role as leverage, informing Suzuki that if he stays, he’ll remain in that position. The team is reportedly considering trading either Suzuki or lefty Cody Bellinger.
What’s Next?
As the Winter Meetings continue, all eyes are on Arenado and Suzuki. Will the Cardinals and Cubs pull the trigger on blockbuster deals? Or will these stars stay put? One thing’s for sure: The MLB hot stove is heating up, and fans are in for an exciting offseason.
- Key Takeaways:
- Nolan Arenado is open to a trade and willing to switch positions, including playing first base.
- The Yankees are among the teams interested in Arenado.
- Seiya Suzuki is also drawing trade interest but has a full no-trade clause.
- Both players’ futures remain uncertain as the Winter Meetings unfold.
Originally Written by: Jesse Rogers
