Cardinals Hint at Potential Trade of Nolan Arenado Amid Offseason Rebuilding
It’s no secret that the St. Louis Cardinals are poised for significant changes this winter. The organization is entering a retooling phase, and with John Mozeliak’s tenure as president of baseball operations coming to an end after the season, the team is gearing up for a new chapter under Chaim Bloom, who will take over Mozeliak’s duties. While Mozeliak is expected to remain with the team in a different capacity, it’s clear that the front office is prepared to make tough decisions in an effort to rebuild a competitive roster.
As part of this rebuilding process, one of the most intriguing storylines will revolve around the future of star third baseman Nolan Arenado. Though Arenado is still under contract with the Cardinals for the next two years, his name has surfaced in trade rumors, and his time in St. Louis may be limited.
The Case for Trading Arenado
Arenado, one of the best defensive third basemen in the game, remains an attractive asset for contenders looking to bolster their roster. He has a team-friendly contract compared to some other free-agent options on the market, making him a prime trade candidate for teams hoping to avoid committing massive amounts of money to free-agent players like Alex Bregman or Willy Adames.
While the Cardinals have not publicly committed to trading Arenado, the idea of moving him this winter is gaining traction. According to Thomas Gauvin of Redbird Rants, Arenado could be a compelling trade piece for teams that want to strengthen their lineup without breaking the bank on high-profile free agents.
“Teams who don’t want to commit that much money or time to those free agents could be interested in Nolan Arenado via trade,” Gauvin wrote. “It’s a toss-up each offseason whether free agents will sign first or if players will be traded first. Whatever team is left without Bregman or Adames could be interested in trading for Nolan Arenado.”
A Telling Omission from the New Coaching Staff
What further fuels speculation about Arenado’s future with the team is the current regime’s approach to him. New hitting coach Brant Brown, who has already held meetings with players like Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker, has yet to reach out to Arenado. This lack of communication could indicate that the front office is not necessarily prioritizing Arenado as part of their immediate future plans.
This omission speaks volumes, especially considering the Cardinals’ focus on integrating their younger players into the team’s future. While it’s not unusual for a new coach to prioritize working with younger talent, the absence of contact with Arenado—a player with significant tenure and experience—suggests that the team may be leaning toward parting ways with the veteran third baseman.
Moreover, as the team prepares for the winter and makes adjustments to their strategy, it’s clear that the Cardinals do not want to waste valuable time or resources on a player who may not be a long-term part of their plans. With a new direction likely in store, St. Louis is focusing on building a roster that will contend in the future rather than simply holding on to veterans who may not be a part of the next competitive window.
The Possibility of a Trade in the Near Future
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Arenado’s future, the reality is that the Cardinals may still hold on to him if the trade offers fall short of their expectations. However, with the offseason in full swing, it’s clear that the team will need to make a decision sooner rather than later. Once the trade market heats up and other major moves are made, Arenado could become a hot commodity for teams in need of an upgrade at third base.
In the meantime, the Cardinals will continue to evaluate their options. Whether they trade Arenado this offseason or hold on to him for another year, it’s clear that the veteran’s future with the team is uncertain. As teams across the league look to strengthen their rosters for the 2024 season, Arenado’s name will likely remain at the forefront of trade discussions.
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals’ plans for Arenado’s future may not be fully realized until the winter months unfold, but one thing is certain: the 2024 offseason will be pivotal for the team’s future. With the front office in transition and the roster in flux, the team could look to capitalize on Arenado’s value in the trade market, potentially reshaping the team’s direction for years to come.
As the offseason progresses, expect more rumors and speculation about Arenado’s status in St. Louis. Whether he stays or goes, it’s clear that the Cardinals’ approach to their roster will be one of significant change, and Arenado’s future is likely to play a key role in that process.