The St. Louis Cardinals appear ready once again to explore trade options for veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado during the offseason. This situation mirrors last year’s scenario, when the team’s front office also attempted to move the eight-time All-Star but ultimately failed to find a trade partner.
As a result, Arenado remained with St. Louis for the 2025 campaign. Now, with the club looking to retool its roster after another underwhelming season, the possibility of dealing the aging star has resurfaced.
Once regarded as one of the premier third basemen in Major League Baseball, Arenado’s reputation was built on a remarkable combination of power, defense, and consistency.
Over the course of his career, he has accumulated numerous accolades, including eight All-Star selections, several Silver Slugger Awards for his offensive prowess, and multiple Platinum Gloves, which recognize him as one of the league’s elite defenders.
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During his peak years with the Colorado Rockies and early seasons in St. Louis, Arenado was widely viewed as the complete package—a player capable of anchoring a lineup and flashing Gold Glove–level defense on a nightly basis.
However, age and wear have begun to take their toll. Now 34 years old, Arenado’s offensive production has declined notably over the past few seasons. His 2025 campaign marked some of the worst numbers of his career, including a .289 on-base percentage, a .377 slugging percentage, and an overall .666 OPS—all career lows for the veteran infielder. These figures are a stark contrast to the dominant numbers he routinely produced in his prime, when he was among the National League leaders in home runs, RBI, and extra-base hits nearly every season.
This decline in performance has not gone unnoticed by either the Cardinals or potential trade partners. Complicating matters further is Arenado’s hefty contract. He is still owed approximately $37 million over the next two seasons, a figure that few clubs would be eager to absorb given his diminished offensive output.
Most teams are reluctant to commit such financial resources to an aging player whose best years appear to be behind him. Consequently, any trade involving Arenado would likely require the Cardinals to pay down a significant portion of his remaining salary in order to make a deal palatable to another organization.
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For St. Louis, moving Arenado could serve multiple purposes. It would open financial flexibility and potentially clear the way for younger talent to take on a more prominent role at third base. The team has made it clear that its goal is to get younger, more athletic, and more cost-efficient as it seeks to reestablish itself as a contender in the National League Central. Yet finding a willing trade partner remains a challenge, particularly for a player who still provides defensive stability but no longer performs like the offensive centerpiece he once was.
Ultimately, Arenado’s situation encapsulates the difficult balancing act facing many veteran stars and the organizations that employ them: weighing loyalty and past success against present performance and future planning. Unless the Cardinals can find a creative trade structure—likely involving significant financial concessions—Arenado may once again find himself staying put in St. Louis for another season.
St. Louis Cardinals Exec Admits Both Sides Want Deal Done
The St. Louis Cardinals remain determined to move on from veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado, despite failing so far to secure a trade partner. According to Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom, both the organization and Arenado’s camp agree that parting ways would be the best course of action for everyone involved. Bloom confirmed to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he held discussions with Arenado’s agent on November 10 regarding the situation, indicating that the two sides are working together toward a resolution.
“We’re on the same page that it does make sense for everybody to find a different fit,” Bloom explained, as reported by Goold. “Obviously, what that’s going to look like, or when that’s going to happen—I don’t have those answers yet. We’ve agreed on that (the fit). So now it’s really about how do we go about that?”
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Bloom’s comments highlight the mutual understanding between the team and the player, though the path forward remains uncertain. The Cardinals face several hurdles in completing a deal, most notably Arenado’s large salary, recent decline in performance, and his contractual no-trade clause. That clause gives Arenado complete control over his next move, meaning the Cardinals cannot trade him without his explicit approval. It’s a rare level of power for a player in this kind of situation, making negotiations more complex.
Arenado, an eight-time All-Star and former Gold Glove regular, has seen his offensive production dip in recent seasons. Combined with his age and the financial commitment remaining on his contract, this has made it more difficult for St. Louis to find a willing trade partner. Teams are hesitant to absorb both the cost and risk associated with his deal, especially if Arenado limits his list of acceptable destinations.
Bloom acknowledged these challenges, pointing out how sensitive these discussions can become when players hold no-trade rights. “In talking with these guys, because of having that no-trade protection, they have more of a seat at the table than a player usually might in this situation,” Bloom said. “So part of the conversation is, how do you want me to handle this? How much do you want to hear from me?”
His remarks reflect the balance teams must strike when navigating such negotiations—respecting the player’s preferences while still trying to advance the organization’s goals. In this case, Bloom seems to be approaching the situation with transparency and cooperation, ensuring Arenado and his representatives remain involved in every step of the process.
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While it’s clear that both sides agree a separation is the logical outcome, the timeline for any potential move remains uncertain. Until another club emerges willing to meet the Cardinals’ conditions and Arenado’s approval, the two parties appear locked in a waiting game. Still, Bloom’s openness about the talks suggests that St. Louis is committed to finding a solution sooner rather than later, signaling the likely end of Arenado’s tenure with the team.
Red Sox Expected to be in on Arenado Sweepstakes
One of the most intriguing potential landing spots for Nolan Arenado this offseason appears to be the Boston Red Sox. The American League club could soon have a major void to fill at third base if Alex Bregman does not return. B
regman recently exercised his opt-out clause, making him a free agent. While the Red Sox front office remains committed to re-signing him, early indications suggest that negotiations may not be heading in a positive direction. Should Boston’s efforts to retain Bregman ultimately fail, they are expected to pivot toward Arenado as a strong alternative option.
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According to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe, the Red Sox already showed considerable interest in Arenado earlier this year. “Arenado is good friends with Trevor Story, and the Red Sox were close on a deal with St. Louis in February before Alex Bregman signed,” Healey reported. This prior connection could give Boston an inside track if trade discussions resume.
Furthermore, Arenado’s willingness to be flexible with his defensive position could make the transition smoother. The veteran third baseman, who has earned an impressive ten Gold Glove Awards over his career, is reportedly open to shifting across the infield to first base or any other spot the Red Sox might need him to play. This adaptability enhances his appeal to a club that has emphasized defensive versatility and roster balance in recent years.
While the Red Sox remain hopeful about Bregman’s return, the likelihood of him re-signing continues to diminish. ESPN insider Jeff Passan recently speculated that Bregman could be a perfect fit for the Philadelphia Phillies, who are looking to strengthen their infield and lineup depth. If the Phillies’ pursuit becomes serious, it could effectively close the door on any chance of Bregman returning to Boston. That development would leave the Red Sox with few elite-level alternatives at the hot corner, making Arenado’s availability especially intriguing.
Arenado’s potential move to the East Coast would also make sense on a personal and professional level. St. Louis Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom, who is currently exploring trade options for Arenado, has a notable history with the Red Sox organization.
Bloom served as Boston’s Chief Baseball Officer from 2020 to 2023 before taking over in St. Louis. His familiarity with the Red Sox system, front office personnel, and their overall approach could facilitate smoother trade talks between the two clubs. Given Bloom’s stated willingness to find a trade that benefits both the Cardinals and Arenado, Boston might be one of the more realistic destinations.
Altogether, the situation presents a compelling narrative: Boston could soon lose its current star third baseman, while another future Hall of Famer becomes available from St. Louis. Arenado’s friendship with Trevor Story, his openness to positional changes, and Bloom’s connection to the Red Sox all align to make a trade at least plausible. Should Bregman depart and negotiations between St. Louis and Boston reignite, Arenado wearing a Red Sox uniform next season would not be a surprise.
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