The St. Louis Cardinals are staring down a pivotal offseason, and for a fan base used to October baseball, the current direction feels like unfamiliar territory.
After missing the playoffs for a third straight year and finishing fourth in the NL Central with a 78-84 record, the franchise is clearly signaling a shift. That shift begins at the top, with Chaim Bloom stepping in as the new president of baseball operations, taking over for longtime executive John Mozeliak.
And with that change comes a clear message: the Cardinals are sellers this winter.
According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, St. Louis is the most active team in trade talks right now - and not just on the fringes.
We're talking about core players, familiar names, and some big contracts potentially on the move. The Cardinals are reportedly shopping Brendan Donovan, Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado, Lars Nootbaar, and left-handed reliever JoJo Romero.
In short, this isn’t a light retool - it’s a full-on reshaping of the roster.
Let’s unpack what this could mean.
Brendan Donovan Drawing Strong Interest
Donovan, a versatile infielder/outfielder with a solid bat and strong on-base skills, is drawing serious attention - particularly from the Seattle Mariners, who are reportedly front-runners in the chase. Donovan fits the Mariners’ mold: young, controllable, and flexible defensively. He’s the type of player who can quietly help a good team become great, and Seattle seems to know it.
Lars Nootbaar and the Dodgers?
Outfielder Lars Nootbaar is another name popping up in trade talks, with the Los Angeles Dodgers showing interest. Nootbaar brings energy, defense, and an improving offensive profile.
He’s not a superstar, but he’s the kind of complementary piece that championship-caliber teams love to add - especially one with postseason aspirations like the Dodgers. His left-handed bat and ability to play all three outfield spots make him a valuable chess piece.
Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado: Big Contracts, Big Decisions
Then there’s Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado - two of the biggest names in these discussions, and two of the biggest contracts on the Cardinals’ books.
Contreras, who signed a five-year deal to replace Yadier Molina behind the plate, has had a bumpy tenure in St. Louis.
While he’s still a capable hitter, questions about his defense and fit with the pitching staff have lingered. Moving that contract won’t be easy, but the Cardinals seem willing to explore it.
Arenado is the most intriguing case. The 10-time Gold Glove third baseman is coming off arguably the worst season of his career.
In just 107 games, he slashed .237/.289/.377 with 12 home runs and an 87 OPS+ - a far cry from the offensive force and defensive wizard we’ve seen over the years. At 35 next April, Arenado may no longer be elite, but he’s still a respected veteran presence with something left in the tank.
The Los Angeles Angels have emerged as a possible landing spot, especially as they negotiate a buyout with Anthony Rendon. If that deal gets done, they could redirect some of Rendon’s $38.5 million salary toward Arenado. There’s no trade imminent, but the potential is real - especially once top free-agent third basemen like Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suárez come off the board.
Arenado is under contract for two more years, with a complicated salary structure. The Colorado Rockies are still on the hook for $5 million of his $27 million salary in 2026 (which includes $6 million deferred), and he’s also owed $15 million in 2027. That kind of financial flexibility could make him more attractive to a team like the Angels, who are trying to stay competitive without another long-term albatross.
JoJo Romero Could Be on the Move, Too
Don’t overlook JoJo Romero in all of this. The lefty reliever has quietly become a reliable bullpen arm, and contenders are always looking for left-handed help. He’s not the headliner in these talks, but he’s the kind of player who gets moved in deals that help teams shore up their depth.
A New Chapter in St. Louis
This winter marks a clear turning point for the Cardinals. After years of trying to thread the needle between contending and reloading, they seem ready to commit to a new direction. That means shedding salary, reshaping the roster, and likely taking a step back in the short term to build something more sustainable.
For fans in St. Louis, it’s a tough pill to swallow.
But with Chaim Bloom now steering the ship, the Cardinals are betting that a bold reset now will lead to a stronger future. The names on the way out may be familiar, even beloved.
But the goal is clear: get younger, get more flexible, and build a team that can compete again - not just for a Wild Card spot, but for championships.