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By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
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St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is among the more intriguing trade chips any team can move this offseason. The veteran holds a no-trade clause, meaning he can practically choose where he plays next year — so long as another team wants him.
Arenado, 33, is under contract through 2027 as part of a nine-year, $275 million deal originally signed with the Colorado Rockies. An eight-time All-Star, he's coming off a pair of down years by his standards.
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Since finishing third in National League MVP voting in 2022, Arenado has put together back-to-back seasons of 2.4 and 2.5 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference — the worst of his career in any non-pandemic seasons.
While some teams might view Arenado as a strong bounceback candidate, and a preferable alternative to free agent Alex Bregman, others might prefer their internal options at third base. Arenado's best attribute might still be his fielding; he has won eight Gold Glove awards in his career.
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On Dec. 10, John Denton of MLB.com reported Arenado would waive his no-trade clause to accept a move to one of six teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox.
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Since then, however, Arenado's agent Joel Wolfe has spoken openly about the behind-the-scenes process that could see Arenado change teams — or even remain in St. Louis. And it might be time to cross off one of the original six teams from Arenado's list.
Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote Monday that Arenado "is of interest to the Angels, but there's been no indication from sources I spoke with that the Angels are of interest to him."
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Arenado is originally from Orange County and was drafted out of El Toro High School, not far from Angel Stadium. The Angels just suffered through the worst season in their team's history (63-99) and are in no better position to contend than the Cardinals, who are similarly transitioning to a younger roster.
Goold also noted that "the Cardinals spoke to the Yankees about (Arenado), and I can add that the Cardinals and Astros have spoken. Other outlets have reported that as well. Also, there have been talks between Boston and the Cardinals, as the Red Sox are also looking for a third baseman. Do not dismiss those teams."
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"San Diego has been approached, but according to a source the Padres are not sure they have the financial flexibility to take on that contract," Goold added, and might ask the Cardinals to eat money in any Arenado trade.
Arenado's contract pays $32 million in 2025 and $27 million in 2026.
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