Inside The Cardinals

MLB Writer Bashes Cardinals Star, Suggests Blockbuster Trade

The Cardinals aren't getting the production they wanted out of Nolan Arenado.
Zach Pressnell|
May 19, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) drives in a run against the Detroit Tigers during the fifth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
May 19, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) drives in a run against the Detroit Tigers during the fifth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

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St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly tried to trade veteran infielder Nolan Arenado for the last few months, but no deal has seemingly been close to finalized because of the veteran's massive contract and no-trade clause.

Arenado got off to a hot start this season but has quickly cooled down.

FanSided's Mark Powell recently bashed Arenado and his $275 million contract before urging the Cardinals to trade the veteran this season.

"Unfortunately for Arenado, he has not performed up to par in 2025, which is why the Cards would be best-served dealing him as soon as possible," Powell wrote. "Of course, the Cardinals already know this. John Mozeliak, Chaim Bloom and the Cardinals front office have tried to trade Arenado on several occasions. In one case, they had a deal agreed upon with the Houston Astros, but Arenado wouldn't bight.

"The 34-year-old's no-trade clause has been a pain in the side of Mozeliak and Co. for months now. Teams like the Detroit Tigers – now with the best record in MLB – reportedly had some interest, but they weren't on the list of organizations Arenado would welcome a trade to."

Trading the veteran is in the best interest of the team, but it's hard to imagine finding a trade suitor who would be willing to eat most of his contract.

Pair that with the struggles at the plate and his no-trade clause and you have the perfect storm that's likely to keep the third baseman in St. Louis unless he opens his list of trade landing spots.

More MLB: Cardinals Should Target Dodgers Top Prospect In Huge Trade

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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "St. Louis Cardinals On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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