Chaim Bloom didn’t waste time making his mark in St. Louis.
In his first offseason as the Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations, Bloom tackled one of the franchise’s biggest challenges head-on - moving Nolan Arenado. It wasn’t just about parting ways with a marquee name; it was about creating flexibility for a roster in transition.
And Bloom got it done, sending the veteran third baseman to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a deal that finally brought closure to a storyline that had been simmering for over a year.
Let’s be clear: trading a player like Arenado is never simple. This is a guy with a no-trade clause, a sizable contract, and a reputation that - at one point - had him in the MVP conversation year in and year out.
But the reality in St. Louis had shifted.
Arenado’s production had dipped, his contract still carried significant weight, and the Cardinals were heading into a new chapter that required difficult decisions.
The previous front office, led by John Mozeliak, recognized that shift. Last winter, Mozeliak made it clear that moving Arenado was a top priority - not just for financial reasons, but to open up opportunities across the roster.
He saw the writing on the wall. But despite his efforts, a deal never came together.
That wasn’t for lack of trying. Arenado’s no-trade clause gave him veto power, and his list of preferred destinations was narrow.
The Astros came close, but their own roster uncertainties made it a tough sell for Arenado, who ultimately declined the move.
Fast-forward to this offseason, and Bloom found a way to finish what Mozeliak started. The Diamondbacks, not previously on Arenado’s list of preferred teams, emerged as a fit.
And this time, the conversations between player and front office were different. Bloom spoke candidly about the Cardinals’ direction - a team in transition, not necessarily built to contend right now.
Arenado listened, respected the transparency, and was open to the move.
That mutual understanding became the difference-maker.
Bloom, speaking on KMOX’s The Gashouse Gang, didn’t take credit for fixing something the previous regime couldn’t. In fact, he was careful not to cast blame.
He acknowledged that he wasn’t in the room for last year’s talks, particularly those involving the Astros. But he did highlight how this winter’s discussions with Arenado were productive - grounded in realism and mutual respect.
That tone helped move the deal across the finish line.
Now, Arenado heads to Arizona, where he’ll get a fresh start with a team that’s been knocking on the postseason door. He’s expected to slot in as the everyday third baseman, and while his numbers have dipped, there’s still belief that a change of scenery could help spark a late-career resurgence. If the Diamondbacks can find the right balance around him, Arenado could be a key piece in a playoff push.
For the Cardinals, the move signals a clear direction. It’s not about tearing things down - it’s about reshaping the roster with an eye on the future.
And Bloom’s ability to navigate a complex trade like this shows he’s not afraid to make bold, necessary moves. The Arenado era in St.
Louis may be over, but the next chapter is already underway.