Nolan Arenado has officially arrived at spring training, entering camp after an offseason filled with trade rumors.
Despite the speculation, the eight-time All-Star and ten-time Gold Glove third baseman remains a key piece of the St. Louis Cardinals’ plans – at least for now.
At 33 years old, Arenado holds full control over his future with a no-trade clause, meaning any potential deal would require his approval.
While reports indicated the Cardinals explored trade possibilities with several teams, nothing came to fruition.
The veteran infielder acknowledged that he provided a shortlist of teams he would have considered joining but ultimately chose to stay put.
“I’m not going to talk about who the teams were because it doesn’t really matter anymore, but so, yeah, there was about five teams, five or so,” Arenado admitted.
“I got a family now, and to be willing to pick up my family and move them, it has to be something that is worth it.
“So that’s kind of why the list was fairly small, and I don’t see myself really changing that list ever.”
Teams rumored to have interest included the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and New York Mets.
However, with Boston signing Alex Bregman and Houston opting for Christian Walker, Arenado’s trade market cooled considerably.
Arenado is under contract for three more seasons, owed $74 million, with the Colorado Rockies covering $5 million of his 2025 salary as part of the trade that sent him to St. Louis in 2021.
Despite the trade chatter, Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak made it clear that Arenado remains a central figure in the team’s plans.
“Simply put, with Nolan on our team, we feel we’re a better team,” Mozeliak stated.
Last season, Arenado posted numbers below his usual elite standard, hitting .272 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs – his lowest home run total since his rookie year.
Across his career, he holds a .285 batting average with 341 home runs and 1,132 RBIs between his time with the Rockies and Cardinals.
While Arenado would prefer the Cardinals to take a more aggressive approach in building a contender, he understands the team’s long-term strategy.
“Do I wish the direction was all in? Of course,” he said. “But is this what’s probably best for the Cardinals? Probably.”
As it stands, Arenado is expected to anchor third base for St. Louis when they open the 2025 season on March 27 against the Minnesota Twins.
Whether he finishes the season in a Cardinals uniform, however, remains to be seen.
What are your thoughts on Arenado’s situation? … Do you think it’s inevitable that he will be traded at some point this season???
