Inside The Cardinals

Cardinals Narrowly Missed Opportunity To Trade Nolan Arenado To AL West Contender

St. Louis can't find a suitor for the fan favorite

Nate Hagerty

Sep 8, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) at bat during the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) at bat during the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images / Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
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The St. Louis Cardinals' top priority is finding a trade partner for superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado but doing so has been challenging.

After Arenado endured the worst season of his career at the plate in 2024, teams are reluctant to trade for him, considering his contract comes with three years and roughly $74 million -- $10 million will be paid by the Colorado Rockies.

To make matters more frustrating for St. Louis as it navigates how to get Arenado moved, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak's recent comments suggest a deal could've already taken place.

"'I was a little bit surprised,' he said, when asked about Arenado’s decision to reject the (Houston) Astros," as transcribed by Belleville News-Democrat's Jeff Jones on Saturday. “'I think looking back at that, I think when [Kyle] Tucker was traded [to the Chicago Cubs], it was almost more like order of operation. Had we been a few days ahead of that, I think there would’ve been no…here we are. So, yeah, things happen.'”

Arenado blocked a trade to Houston shortly after three-time All-Star outfielder Tucker was traded to the National League Central-rival Cubs. Mozeliak's statement suggests that the Cardinals veteran might've agreed to be dealt to the Astros if it occurred before the Chicago exchange.

The 10-time Gold Glove defender's list of teams he's willing to be traded to includes the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels and LA Dodgers.

Former Houston third baseman Alex Bregman still hasn't decided where he'll sign for 2025, complicating Arenado's search for a trade partner. Perhaps once the former Astros slugger is signed, we'll see a trade for the St. Louis fan favorite.

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Nate Hagerty
NATE HAGERTY

Nate Hagerty joined “Inside The Cardinals” as a content creator to spread knowledge about his favorite childhood team. A hometown native of Boston, Hagerty chose at an early age of six years old to follow the St. Louis Cardinals. The miraculous season of 04’ for the Red Sox did not deter Hagerty from rooting against his hometown team, nor did it in 2013 against the Red Birds. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu 

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