During the MLB Winter Meetings, the St. Louis Cardinals claimed they were ready to commit to a clear direction—but, in typical fashion, John Mozeliak did the opposite.
As he enters his final year as the Cardinals’ president of baseball operations, Mozeliak has made minimal effort to reshape the team’s long-term trajectory. Despite widespread concerns that the roster was aging and the farm system underwhelming, he neither significantly cut payroll nor prioritized developing young talent.
One of the most talked-about stories of the Cardinals’ offseason was whether Nolan Arenado would be traded. The 34-year-old third baseman, armed with a no-trade clause, reportedly gave the front office a shortlist of acceptable trade destinations. When the Houston Astros—a contender in need of talent—expressed interest, Arenado ultimately declined, and the deal fell through.
Mozeliak did actively pursue a trade, but after the Astros backed out, interest in Arenado dwindled. Given the $52 million owed to him over the next three years, few teams were willing to take on his full salary. The Cardinals, meanwhile, weren’t eager to eat a large chunk of the contract to get meaningful prospects in return or clear the way for younger players.
Now is the time for the Cardinals and Nolan Arenado to part ways
This feels inevitable. While Nolan Arenado has historically resisted joining certain teams, the Cardinals—now sitting at 14-18 after Thursday’s loss—are clearly spinning their wheels. With Chaim Bloom expected to take over operations this offseason, a major shift toward developing Minor League talent and restructuring the Major League roster seems imminent. If St. Louis isn’t in a position to contend, there’s little reason for Arenado to remain tied to a burdensome contract on a floundering team.
Even if the Cardinals have to cover part of his salary to facilitate a deal, a trade would benefit both sides. Despite a rough season overall, Arenado has bounced back individually—his .747 OPS is an upgrade over last year, and he remains a defensive standout, ranking in the 87th percentile for outs above average at third base. He’s still one of Oli Marmol’s top performers.
Many teams could use a player like Arenado. While his contract isn’t ideal, he brings veteran reliability and consistent—if unspectacular—offensive output. The Phillies, for instance, could revisit their interest given Alec Bohm’s struggles. The Astros passed on him this winter, but their infield issues—especially with underperformers like Christian Walker, Mauricio Dubón, and Cam Smith—might push them back into the conversation.
Other clubs with postseason hopes, like the Blue Jays, Tigers, or even Yankees, may find it worthwhile to explore Arenado’s market. The Cardinals likely won’t get a perfect return or complete salary relief, but holding firm out of pride could be more damaging. It’s time for St. Louis to pivot—prioritize youth, plan for the future, and acknowledge that Arenado no longer fits their trajectory.
Time to make the call.