The St. Louis Cardinals are once again looking to offload a specific key player in the offseason. Team officials previously attempted to trade Nolan Arenado at this point last year. A potential deal, however, could not be struck. As a result, the 8-time All-Star third baseman remained with the Cards for the 2025 season.
In his prime, Arenado was once seen as one of the top players at his position. In addition to his All-Star appearances, the third baseman also collected multiple Silver Slugger awards and Platinum Gloves. Nevertheless, now 34, the star’s statistics have diminished in recent seasons. This includes recently recording career lows in OBP (.289), slugging (.377), and OPS (.666).
In addition to his decreased output, the Cardinals still owe Arenado $37 million over the next two seasons. To get the former All-Star, no team in the league will want to pay that entire contract. St. Louis is fully aware of this and understands that in order to make a deal work, they will need to pay a portion of Arenado’s earnings.
St. Louis Cardinals Exec Admits Both Sides Want Deal Done
St. Louis is still actively attempting to split from Arenado even though they have not been able to find a trading partner. Chaim Bloom, president of baseball operations for the Cardinals, has even disclosed that a transaction is desired by both parties. Bloom told Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that on November 10, he discussed the experience with Arenado’s agent.
According to Goold, Bloom said, “We’re on the same page that it does make sense for everybody to find a different fit.” “Obviously, I don’t yet know what that will look like or when it will occur. That (the fit) has been agreed upon. Now, the true question is, “How do we approach that?”
Arenado’s contract contains a no-trade clause in addition to his low on-field output and salary. Arenado now has complete control over his future. Bloom also talked about the challenges of interacting with gamers in these circumstances.
“These guys have more of a seat at the table than a player normally might in this situation because they have that no-trade protection,” Bloom added. “So, how do you want me to handle this is part of the conversation. To what extent would you like to hear from me?
Red Sox Expected to be in on Arenado Sweepstakes
The Boston Red Sox are one such squad that has been connected to Arenado. If Alex Bregman does not re-sign with Beantown, the American League squad may have a significant void. The Red Sox are attempting to persuade Bregman to sign a new contract after he just opted out of his existing one.
Reporter Tim Healey of the Boston Globe anticipates that the team will pursue Arenado as a fallback if this fails. Healey asserted, “Arenado is close friends with Trevor Story, and the Red Sox were close on a deal with St. Louis in February before Alex Bregman signed.” According to a league source, Arenado is more than happy to switch from third base, where he has won ten Gold Gloves, to first base or anywhere else.
It doesn’t appear realistic that Bregman will re-sign with Boston. The star would actually be ideal for the Philadelphia Phillies, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Arenado’s move eastward appears to be relatively likely as a result. Bloom is personally connected to the Red Sox as well. From 2020 until 2023, the executive was employed in the Red Sox front office.