Currently trailing the Chicago Cubs by just two games in the NL Central, the St. Louis Cardinals are showing significant improvement this season. Riding a seven-game winning streak, they aim to secure their second consecutive series sweep in Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Nationals.
Following an offseason filled with speculation about a potential trade involving third baseman Nolan Arenado, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that trade talks have quieted down.
According to Nightengale, “The St. Louis Cardinals are not receiving any interest in third baseman Nolan Arenado after he rejected trades this winter to the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels.”
If that’s accurate, it’s not all that surprising. Arenado appears to be swinging the bat better and continues to provide elite defense at third base. If the Cardinals were underperforming, exploring trade options might make more sense. But with the team in contention, parting ways with their veteran third baseman could hurt more than help—especially with postseason hopes still alive.
Will Cardinals finally trade Nolan Arenado?
Despite their strong start, should the Cardinals—currently overseen by outgoing president of baseball operations John Mozeliak—consider trading him? With Chaim Bloom set to take the reins after this season, the organization is poised for continued change.
Bloom, formerly of the Red Sox and Rays, is expected to keep reshaping the franchise. Would dealing Arenado accelerate that transformation?
The answer largely hinges on the return they could get for the veteran. While the team might still be inclined to shed his contract, Arenado has shown signs of resurgence this season, performing better than in recent years.
Could that be enough to warrant keeping him in St. Louis? For now, the Cardinals appear satisfied with him manning third base. And if their aim is to push for a playoff spot, it’s understandable why both the team and Arenado might want to keep the relationship going.
Be the first to comment