Inside The Cardinals

MLB Writer Reveals Key Reason Cardinals Should Trade Nolan Arenado

The Cardinals have reportedly explored Nolan Arenado trades for months.
Zach Pressnell|
May 31, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages (43) and first baseman Willson Contreras (40) and third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) celebrate after Arenado hits a sacrifice fly to drive in Contreras during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
May 31, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages (43) and first baseman Willson Contreras (40) and third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) celebrate after Arenado hits a sacrifice fly to drive in Contreras during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly been open to the idea of trading veteran infielder Nolan Arenado. Arenado has a massive contract and a no-trade clause, so trading him away has seemed quite difficult for the Cardinals to pull off.

That doesn't mean they should stop trying, even if they're in postseason contention.

John Buhler of FanSided recently suggested that the key reason for trading Arenado would be to free up money for potential contract extensions.

"Truth be told, the Cardinals may not get as much in return as they would like. It would be about freeing up some salary," Buhler wrote. "Baseball may not have a salary cap, but you cannot keep paying declining players like Arenado big-time money.

"I still think he has a few more good years left, but we have probably seen his best days as a big-leaguer already. Perhaps a change of scenery could get him that ring he desires? St. Louis should be a playoff team, but I am not entirely sure they have what it takes to win the National League. Trading Arenado would be quite controversial, but if it frees up extension money, it could be justified."

Arenado is a contributing player for the Cardinals at this point, but having all of his money freed off the books would be better for St. Louis than anything else. Especially with the new era attempting to re-sign their young stars before they hit free agency.

Having nearly $100 million wiped off the books would allow for players like Iván Herrera to be signed to massive contract extensions in the next few months.

More MLB: Could Cardinals Land Breakout Star Outfielder In Massive 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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