Cardinals’ $260 Million Star Faces Setback in Trade Talks
The St. Louis Cardinals have been actively exploring a trade involving star third baseman Nolan Arenado for several months, but it appears that a deal is still not imminent.
Arenado, whose trade was one of the team’s primary goals this offseason, remains on the trade block despite no deal being made. It seems increasingly likely that he will start as the Cardinals’ third baseman on Opening Day.
Although Arenado holds a no-trade clause, limiting where he can go, he initially showed interest in teams like the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres. However, some of these options have fallen through. Boston is set after signing Alex Bregman, Arenado turned down a trade to Houston, Los Angeles has a massive payroll, and there hasn’t been much talk about the Padres recently.
The Yankees were considered a potential destination, especially after they signed Arenado’s close friend Paul Goldschmidt. However, reports indicate that New York has not shown significant interest in pursuing a trade for Arenado. ESPN’s Jorge Castillo highlighted that the Yankees have “not been aggressive pursuers” of the eight-time All-Star.
Castillo also mentioned that while the Cardinals have made Arenado available for months as part of their rebuilding process, the Yankees are content with their current roster for now. Arenado, who will turn 34 in April and is coming off his worst MLB season, is owed $74 million through 2027, with the Rockies covering $5 million per year for the next two years.
For any trade to happen, the Cardinals may have to absorb part of Arenado’s salary. Although a trade could still occur in 2025, particularly after a deal with the Houston Astros fell through in December when Arenado blocked it with his no-trade clause, it’s unclear when or where he might land. The Yankees, despite having a connection with Goldschmidt, are likely to stick with their current roster for now.
Arenado still has three years remaining on his $260 million contract, and it seems he may spend at least part of that time with St. Louis.
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