The St. Louis Cardinals may be quiet on the surface, but make no mistake - they’re very much in the thick of the trade conversation this offseason. With a roster full of intriguing, movable pieces and a front office that’s taking calls left and right, it feels like a matter of when, not if, the Cardinals start making moves.
So far, outside of the Sonny Gray trade, St. Louis has largely stayed on the sidelines.
But that doesn’t mean the phones aren’t ringing. According to league insiders, Chaim Bloom and the Cardinals’ front office have been fielding steady interest across the board - they just haven’t found the right deal.
Yet.
Manager Oli Marmol and others around the league still expect at least one trade before Spring Training. And with other clubs starting to make their pushes, the Cardinals might need to act soon if they want to kickstart what looks like a soft rebuild.
Let’s break down where things stand - and who could be on the move.
Nolan Arenado: A Waiting Game at Third
The biggest name floating around in trade talks is none other than Nolan Arenado. The veteran third baseman has been linked to multiple teams this offseason, but one that’s starting to make more sense is the Los Angeles Angels. With Anthony Rendon reportedly eyeing retirement, the Angels could be looking for a proven infield anchor - and Arenado fits that bill.
Still, don’t expect the Cardinals to move him just for the sake of it. Bloom has made it clear: if there’s no deal worth doing, Arenado stays put.
That said, his market could heat up once dominoes like Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suárez find new homes. Once those names are off the board, Arenado becomes one of the most attractive veteran bats available.
Brendan Donovan: The Swiss Army Knife Every Contender Wants
If there’s one player on this roster who seems most likely to be moved, it’s Brendan Donovan. The versatile infielder/outfielder has drawn consistent interest, and for good reason - he’s the kind of plug-and-play piece that championship contenders covet.
Earlier in the offseason, both the Giants and Mariners were linked to Donovan, but recent chatter points more strongly toward Seattle. His ability to play multiple positions, get on base, and bring energy to the lineup makes him a perfect fit for a team looking to solidify its depth with a high-floor, high-character guy.
Lars Nootbaar: A Market Waiting to Rebound
Lars Nootbaar was another name that popped up early in the offseason as a potential trade chip. But since then, things have gone quiet - and part of that may be due to offseason heel surgeries that have clouded his immediate availability.
Still, there’s interest. The Dodgers, always on the lookout for left-handed outfield help, have reportedly shown some level of engagement.
If Nootbaar proves he’s healthy heading into spring, don’t be surprised if his name comes back into the spotlight. His lefty bat, defensive versatility, and team control make him a compelling option for clubs looking to add upside without breaking the bank.
JoJo Romero: Bullpen Arm with Trade Value
Reliever JoJo Romero was once considered a near-lock to be dealt this offseason, but so far, he’s still in red. That may be changing soon.
As more teams dip into the free agent reliever market, the options are starting to thin out. That could push clubs back toward the trade route - and Romero, with his late-inning experience and left-handed arm, becomes a logical target. While no specific teams have been named in connection with Romero yet, the expectation is that interest will pick up again as the bullpen market settles.
Willson Contreras: A Changing Tune?
Then there’s Willson Contreras - a name that wasn’t expected to hit the trade block at all. The veteran catcher had previously signaled he wanted to stay in St.
Louis and wasn’t interested in waiving his no-trade clause. But recently, that stance seems to have softened.
There’s been some quiet buzz about the Mets potentially being a fit, especially after they missed out on Pete Alonso. While nothing concrete has emerged, Contreras’ willingness to explore a move adds another layer of intrigue to the Cardinals’ trade outlook. His bat still plays, and if the right fit emerges, the Cardinals might be willing to shake up their catching situation.
The Bottom Line
The Cardinals aren’t making noise just yet, but they’re in position to be one of the most active sellers in baseball this offseason. Whether it’s Arenado, Donovan, Nootbaar, Romero, or even Contreras, the pieces are there for St. Louis to reshape its roster - and potentially stockpile young talent for the future.
The clock is ticking, and the rest of the league is already making moves. If the Cardinals want to capitalize on the value of their assets, the time to strike might be now. Stay tuned - this could get interesting fast.