The Philadelphia Phillies appear headed for a pivotal 2025–2026 offseason. With major decisions looming on Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez, and Harrison Bader — and with potential free-agent additions and trades also in play — this winter has the makings of a franchise-altering stretch.
Dave Dombrowski has never been shy about making bold moves, and if John Middleton authorizes an aggressive approach, Philadelphia could be one of the offseason’s most active clubs. Upgrading from Alec Bohm at third base is very much on the table.
According to Jeff Jones of BND.com, the Phillies’ interest in St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is not only legitimate but “intensifying.”
Phillies’ interest in Nolan Arenado ‘intensifying’
Jones notes, “The Philadelphia Phillies seemed like the most logical destination for Arenado last winter, and that has seemingly only intensified after another year of playoff disappointment.”
Acquiring Arenado would be a compelling, albeit complicated, move for several reasons. First, any deal would require the Cardinals’ approval, and even as St. Louis transitions into a rebuild, they won’t part with Arenado for a light return.
Beyond the trade cost, his contract will factor heavily into negotiations. Arenado has two years remaining, with salaries of $16 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027. Given the offensive decline he has shown over recent seasons, the financial commitment adds another layer of complexity for both sides.
At age 34, Arenado remained a solid defender in 2025, but his bat faltered significantly. Across 107 games, he posted a .237 average and a .666 OPS — the lowest OPS of his career and roughly .040 below his previous career low from 2013. His .377 slugging percentage was also a personal worst.
This downturn isn’t an isolated slump. He recorded an .891 OPS in 2022 when he finished third in NL MVP voting, followed by a drop to .774 in 2023 and then .719 in 2024, showing a clear downward trend.
Even with the regression, a contender might still coax value from Arenado, especially if he’s not expected to anchor the offense. It’s a gamble, but one the Phillies could be willing to explore based on Jones’ reporting.
At minimum, the growing buzz around Arenado signals that Bohm’s days as the club’s long-term third baseman may be numbered. Whether that means Arenado, a free agent such as Alex Bregman, or another target steps in remains the unanswered question.