St. Louis Cardinals bullpen news, the Cubs enter this offseason in a curious position. While much of the league has been aggressive in upgrading rosters through splashy free-agent signings and headline-grabbing trades, Chicago has largely stood on the sidelines.
That relative quiet is notable because the Cubs are not a rebuilding club searching for direction—they are a team that reached the postseason and pushed a playoff series to five games before bowing out in the Division Series. For a club that believes it can contend right now, the lack of major movement has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about whether a bold strike is still coming.
If the Cubs decide they only want—or need—to make one defining move this winter, there is a blockbuster option that could dramatically alter the look and feel of their roster.
According to FanSided’s Christopher Kline, Chicago could look to upgrade at third base by moving on from Matt Shaw and pursuing a trade with their long-standing rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, for perennial star Nolan Arenado. On the surface, the idea of the Cubs and Cardinals doing business with one another—especially involving a player of Arenado’s stature—feels unusual. But when examined closely, the fit makes a surprising amount of sense for both sides.
Kline’s proposal hinges on a critical financial component. Arenado is owed roughly $31 million over the next two seasons, and for Chicago to seriously entertain the idea, St. Louis would almost certainly have to absorb a significant portion of that salary.
Even with that caveat, Kline argues that Arenado aligns perfectly with the Cubs’ organizational preferences. Chicago has consistently emphasized strong defense up the middle and stability across the infield, and Arenado, even as he moves into his mid-30s, remains one of the most accomplished defensive third basemen of his generation.
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Arenado’s résumé speaks for itself. He is an eight-time All-Star, a six-time Platinum Glove winner, and a player who, for much of the past decade, has been synonymous with elite defense and dependable power at the hot corner. While age and recent offensive regression have sparked debate about his long-term outlook, there is little question that his glove alone would instantly elevate Chicago’s infield.
Imagining Arenado at third base alongside Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and Michael Busch paints a picture of one of the most defensively sound infields in Major League Baseball. That quartet would provide exceptional range, instincts, and reliability, potentially transforming Chicago into a run-prevention powerhouse. For a pitching staff that benefits greatly from clean defense, the impact could be immediate and substantial.
Of course, this would not be a move without risk. Arenado’s offensive production took a noticeable dip this past season. In 107 games, he posted a .237 batting average with a .289 on-base percentage and a .377 slugging percentage, resulting in a .666 OPS. He recorded 18 doubles, 12 home runs, and 52 runs batted in—numbers that fall well short of the standards he set during his peak years. For a player once viewed as an annual MVP candidate, those figures naturally raise concerns.
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Still, context matters. Arenado has been among the most consistent and durable stars in baseball over the last decade, and one down year does not erase a track record built on elite performance. Slumps happen, particularly as players age, but history suggests that Arenado is far more likely to rebound than to suddenly fall off a cliff. For a Cubs front office confident in its coaching staff and player development infrastructure, the opportunity to buy low on a future Hall of Fame-caliber player could be extremely appealing.
From Chicago’s perspective, the appeal goes beyond Arenado’s individual talent. Trading for him would also reduce the team’s reliance on younger, less-proven options like Shaw and Austin. While both players have upside, counting on them to anchor a contending lineup carries inherent uncertainty. Arenado, even at less than peak form, represents a known commodity—someone who has thrived on big stages and understands the demands of a pennant race.
The financial component remains the biggest obstacle. For the Cubs to justify taking on Arenado’s contract, the St. Louis Cardinals bullpen news would need to eat a substantial portion of the remaining money. That might have seemed unthinkable in years past, but the current direction of St. Louis changes the calculus. The Cardinals appear to be shifting toward a retooling or rebuilding phase, prioritizing flexibility and future assets over short-term competitiveness. In that context, paying down Arenado’s contract to facilitate a trade becomes far more plausible.
From St. Louis’s viewpoint, moving Arenado would mark a symbolic turning point. He has been one of the faces of the franchise since arriving from Colorado, and dealing him—especially to a division rival—would signal a clear commitment to the future. In return, the Cardinals could acquire younger players or prospects who better align with their long-term timeline, while also clearing payroll space for future seasons.
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While trades between bitter rivals are rare, they are not unprecedented, particularly when both organizations see a clear benefit. The Cubs are firmly in “win-now” mode, looking to capitalize on a roster that has already proven it can compete in October. The Cardinals, meanwhile, appear to be preparing for the next competitive window, even if that means making difficult and unpopular decisions in the short term.
For Chicago fans, the idea of Arenado wearing Cubs blue would be both thrilling and surreal. His reputation as a Cardinal has been cemented through years of divisional battles, Gold Gloves, and clutch moments. Yet baseball history is full of stars who eventually crossed enemy lines, and success has a way of quickly rewriting narratives. If Arenado were to rediscover even a portion of his old offensive form while continuing to play elite defense, he could become a cornerstone of a deep postseason run.
Ultimately, this potential trade represents a fascinating intersection of timing, need, and opportunity. The Cubs need impact talent and stability at third base. Arenado needs a fresh start and a chance to prove that his best years are not behind him. The St. Louis Cardinals bullpen news need flexibility and assets for the future. When framed that way, the logic becomes difficult to ignore.
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Whether or not this specific deal ever materializes, it underscores a broader truth about the Cubs’ offseason. Standing pat may not be enough in a competitive National League landscape. A single bold move—especially one that dramatically improves defense and adds veteran leadership—could be the difference between another early playoff exit and a legitimate championship push.
As the offseason continues, both front offices would be wise to at least explore the possibility. Conversations cost nothing, and the potential payoff is enormous. The Cubs want to win now. The Cardinals are looking ahead. If both sides recognize that alignment, picking up the phone could lead to one of the most talked-about trades in recent memory.
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