The Los Angeles Angels haven’t sniffed the postseason since 2014, and with Shohei Ohtani now wearing Dodger blue, the pressure’s on in Anaheim to build a contender - and fast. One position that’s becoming a growing question mark?
Third base. Anthony Rendon’s future with the club remains murky, and while he’s still under contract, the Angels are reportedly working on a buyout agreement.
That opens the door to a potential blockbuster move - and one name that’s surfaced on their radar is none other than Nolan Arenado.
According to a recent report, the Angels are keeping close tabs on the St. Louis Cardinals third baseman.
Arenado has been a fixture in trade rumors this offseason, and while nothing is imminent, the Angels’ interest is real. But before any serious talks can begin, the Rendon situation needs to be resolved.
Now, let’s talk about what a hypothetical deal for Arenado might look like - and what it would mean for both sides.
Proposed Trade:
Angels receive: 3B Nolan Arenado
Cardinals receive: OF Nelson Rada (Angels' No. 7 prospect), LHP Talen Haley (No. 12), OF Raudi Rodriguez (No.
For the Angels, this would be a bold swing - but one that doesn’t gut their farm system. Despite their glaring need for pitching, they’d only be parting with one arm in this proposal, and they’d land a future Hall-of-Famer to man the hot corner. Even with Arenado entering the back half of his career, his elite glove and veteran presence could bring some much-needed stability to the infield.
Let’s break down what the Cardinals would be getting in return.
Nelson Rada is the headliner here. He’s the Angels’ top outfield prospect and No. 7 overall in their system.
At just 20 years old, he’s still developing offensively, but his speed, defense, and contact skills give him a high ceiling. If he continues to progress, he could be a future leadoff hitter and everyday center fielder - something the Cardinals could really use.
He’s not going to hit 30 bombs a year, but he gets on base, plays solid defense, and brings a disruptive element on the bases. That’s a valuable profile, especially in today’s game.
Talen Haley, a 19-year-old lefty, might be the sneaky piece here. He’s got a live arm and a curveball that scouts love - a true swing-and-miss pitch.
He’s still raw, but the upside is real. If he can refine his command and develop a third pitch, he could project as a mid-rotation starter down the line.
Raudi Rodriguez is a bit more of a lottery ticket, but he’s got tools that make him intriguing. He brings legit right-handed power and surprising speed. There’s some swing-and-miss in his game, but if he can cut down on the strikeouts, he profiles as a power-speed threat - the kind of player who can change a game with one swing or one dash around the bases.
From the Cardinals’ perspective, they’d be moving on from a franchise cornerstone in Arenado, but they’re also being realistic. He’s 34, under contract through 2027, and his offensive numbers have dipped in recent seasons.
His glove is still elite, but the bat hasn’t quite kept pace. That said, a bounce-back year isn’t out of the question - and if he does return to form, the Angels would be getting a steal.
For the Angels, the appeal is obvious. They get an established star without sacrificing their top pitching prospects - four of their top five prospects are arms, and they hold onto all of them in this scenario. That’s crucial for a team that’s struggled mightily to develop consistent pitching depth.
And for St. Louis, this would be a forward-looking move.
They’d be betting on upside and athleticism, adding three young players who could help shape their next competitive core. Rada gives them a potential center fielder of the future, Haley adds a high-upside arm to their system, and Rodriguez is a power bat with growth potential.
Bottom line: this trade would represent a philosophical shift for both teams. The Angels would be going all-in on a veteran to stabilize their infield and push for the postseason, while the Cardinals would be retooling with an eye on the future. It’s not a done deal - not even close - but it’s the kind of move that could reshape both franchises in meaningful ways.