For the third straight season, the St. Louis Cardinals will be watching October baseball from home. Their 78–84 record in 2025 marked another step backward after finishing above .500 (83–79) the year before, as the team regressed in several key areas. Now, with new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom at the helm, the franchise is refocusing on two key goals — returning to contention and getting younger while trimming payroll.
As part of that effort, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that longtime cornerstone is “widely expected to be moved.”
“One player widely expected to be moved: St. Louis third baseman, who is willing to waive his no-trade clause,” Passan wrote.
Arenado’s offensive production has steadily declined, and while his elite defense at third base remains a constant, the Cardinals may view his $16 million salary as better allocated elsewhere. Still, the veteran’s glove and experience could attract several teams hoping to squeeze another productive year or two out of him.
If Bloom ultimately decides to trade Arenado, the return package could play a major role in shaping the Cardinals’ short-term future — and perhaps determine how soon they can make their way back to the postseason for the first time since 2022.
The Cardinals enter 2026 with a promising group of young players eager to take the next step. Shortstop Masyn Winn, utilityman Brendan Donovan, infielder Nolan Gorman, and the outfield trio of Lars Nootbaar, Victor Scott II, and Jordan Walker headline a youthful core that the front office hopes can form the foundation of the next contending team in St. Louis.
While Nolan Arenado’s veteran presence and Gold Glove defense have long anchored the infield, Chaim Bloom appears poised to turn the page. With Arenado likely on the move, the Cardinals will need to find their next starting third baseman — and they may already have options in-house. Both Gorman and Walker began their professional careers at the hot corner, and either could be given an opportunity to reclaim the position once Arenado departs.
Of course, Bloom could also look outside the organization. Free agency offers several intriguing names, including Alex Bregman, Eugenio Suárez, and Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami. On the trade market, players like Philadelphia’s Alec Bohm could become available if the right offer materializes.
No matter the route taken, it would be a surprise to see Arenado back at third base for the Cardinals next spring. If Bloom can move the longtime star for a return that accelerates St. Louis’ path back to contention, the trade could end up benefiting both the player and the franchise — setting the stage for the next chapter of Cardinals baseball.