Inside The Cardinals

Nolan Arenado Rumors Intensify; Chances Of Cardinals Blockbuster

Will the Cardinals trade the star infielder away?
Patrick McAvoy|
Jul 22, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) fields the ball in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Jul 22, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) fields the ball in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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The St. Louis Cardinals could be days away from trading a franchise cornerstone away.

Recently, it has seemed unlikely that Nolan Arenado would be traded this summer thanks in large part to his no-trade clause and the club’s early success this season. But, now things have changed. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand shared that a deal is possible now and mentioned a handful of teams with interest at third base, including the Chicago Cubs.

"The Yankees jumped the market with their trade for Ryan McMahon, but Suárez remains the crown jewel of this Trade Deadline, with the Cubs, Mariners, Tigers, Brewers, Reds, Astros and Phillies all interested in the slugger to varying degrees. But another third baseman could fill one of those holes, as sources said Nolan Arenado – who was at the center of multiple trade talks during the offseason – could be moved by Thursday’s 6 p.m. ET deadline," Feinsand said. "The Cardinals will have to get approval from Arenado, who possesses a full no-trade clause and can veto any trade – which he did in December after the Cardinals and Astros had agreed to a trade to send the eight-time All-Star to Houston...

"Arenado has two years and $42 million remaining on his contract beyond this season, earning $27 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027. Next season’s salary includes $6 million in deferred money, plus $5 million that will be paid by the Rockies as part of the 2021 trade that sent him to St. Louis. The Cardinals would likely have to pay down part of Arenado’s contract in order to move him, but St. Louis’ desire to open a spot for some of its young infielders might prompt them to do that."

Could we be in the final week with Arenado as a member of the Cardinals?

More MLB: Would Cardinals-Phillies 5-Player Proposal Move Needle?

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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu

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