Nolan Arenado Trade Rumors Resurface as Cardinals Face Tough Decisions This Winter
Nolan Arenado may not be the perennial MVP candidate he once was, but the St. Louis Cardinals third baseman still brings plenty to the table-on both sides of it. Even as he moves into the later stages of his career, Arenado remains a steady presence at the hot corner, and his bat, while not what it once was, can still do damage.
Now, as MLB’s Winter Meetings approach, Arenado’s name is once again floating around in trade conversations. It's a familiar storyline for Cardinals fans, but this time, the situation feels a bit more complicated-and potentially more urgent.
The No-Trade Clause: A Major Hurdle
Let’s start with the biggest roadblock: Arenado’s full no-trade clause. That gives him the final say on any potential deal, and it’s not just a formality.
He’s made it clear in the past that he wants to play for a contender, and he’s not going to waive that clause unless the destination checks all his boxes. That kind of leverage makes negotiations tricky for St.
Louis President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom and the rest of the front office.
According to team sources, moving Arenado is shaping up to be the most difficult task of the Cardinals’ offseason. And it’s not just about the no-trade clause. The third-base market is murky at best, and until it starts to take shape, the Cardinals won’t have a clear picture of what kind of return-or trade partner-they might be dealing with.
Market Movement Could Take Time
Right now, it’s a bit of a waiting game. The third-base market hasn’t really materialized yet, and that’s holding things up.
Names like Eugenio Suárez and Alex Bregman are expected to draw interest before Arenado’s situation gains traction. There’s also international intrigue in the mix-particularly with Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, who could shake up the corner infield landscape if he becomes available.
Until those pieces start to fall, the Cardinals are essentially in a holding pattern. But there is one notable shift from last year: ownership appears more willing to include money in a potential deal.
That willingness, highlighted by their recent trade for Sonny Gray, could give St. Louis more flexibility in negotiations-especially if they’re looking to offload a portion of Arenado’s salary to make a deal more palatable for other clubs.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Arenado’s production over the past two seasons has taken a step back, no doubt. In 259 games, he’s slashed .257/.310/.387 with 28 home runs, 123 RBIs, and a 96 OPS+. That’s league-average output, and for a player with his contract and pedigree, it’s fair to ask whether he can still be a cornerstone piece on a contending roster.
But Arenado’s value isn’t just about the stat line. He still plays elite defense at third base, and his leadership in the clubhouse remains a key asset. For the right team-one that needs a veteran presence and still believes in his upside-he could be a difference-maker.
What Comes Next?
The Cardinals are at a crossroads. They’re trying to retool a roster that underperformed last season, and Arenado’s future is a major part of that equation. But with his no-trade clause, a slow-developing third-base market, and questions about his recent production, this isn’t going to be a quick or easy process.
If a trade does happen, it likely won’t come early in the offseason. The market needs to settle, other names need to move, and Arenado himself needs to sign off. Until then, the Cardinals will keep weighing their options, knowing that moving one of their biggest names might be the boldest-and most complicated-move they make all winter.