The St. Louis Cardinals are facing increased speculation that third baseman Nolan Arenado could be traded before the MLB trade deadline. As the team navigates a challenging start to the 2025 season, standing fourth in the NL Central division with a 17-19 record, moving the veteran player is seen as a potential path forward.
Recent reports have suggested the Cardinals should Cardinals encouraged to trade with a surprise American League contender like the Detroit Tigers. According to a report by Jim Bowden, the Tigers could acquire Nolan Arenado for prospects Josh Randall and Carson Rucker. This scenario arises as Detroit seeks to address a need at third base despite their strong start in the AL.
Nolan Arenado holds a full no-trade clause in his contract, which runs through 2027 with approximately $64 million remaining. Finding a team he is willing to join has complicated past trade efforts. The Cardinals failed to find a suitable trade destination over the winter and were reportedly willing to eat a portion of his salary to facilitate a deal with teams like the Houston Astros.
Another possibility that has emerged involves the Boston Red Sox, following a devastating injury to first baseman Triston Casas that has left Boston scrambling. While Casas is a first baseman, his absence could prompt the Red Sox to shift third baseman Rafael Devers, creating a need at the hot corner. Arenado was reportedly willing to play for the Red Sox previously.
Any potential negotiation with Boston could involve Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom, who previously served in a leadership role with the Red Sox and has familiarity with their system. The Red Sox possess a highly-regarded farm system according to farm system rankings, featuring pitching prospects like Luis Perales and David Sandlin, assets the Cardinals could target.
This season, Nolan Arenado is batting .254 with nine doubles, three home runs, and 14 RBIs, posting a .743 OPS in 32 games. While his offensive production has decreased from past years, he remains an elite Gold Glove defender at third base.
The Cardinals' team offense have cooled off after a strong start, contributing to the team's current standing. Despite Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak having brought up the possibility of competing in 2025, the current performance and Arenado's expensive contract and offensive regression make a trade appear more likely as the July 31 deadline approaches.
A move to a contending team, potentially one that competed in the 2024 AL Divisional Series like the Cleveland Guardians or the Detroit Tigers, could appeal to Nolan Arenado, who is hungry for his first World Series ring.
