MAJOR DILEMMA: “Who Will Blink First? The High-Stakes Standoff Between third baseman and the Cardinals!”

The St. Louis Cardinals and Nolan Arenado are at an impasse, with both sides waiting for the other to make a move. The Cardinals are trying to trade Arenado while minimizing the financial burden of his contract, but his preferred destination—the Los Angeles Dodgers—appears to be content with their current roster and not actively pursuing him. Arenado’s no-trade clause gives him control, and he has already rejected a trade to the Houston Astros, narrowing the Cardinals’ options.

Arenado’s ideal move is to the Dodgers, who are contenders for a World Series title and are located near his hometown in Orange County. However, the Dodgers have not shown interest, as they view Max Muncy as a more suitable option for third base at this point in Arenado’s career. The Dodgers could still be willing to take on part of Arenado’s contract, waiting for the Cardinals to become more desperate and accept a deal where they cover more of the salary. However, with the Cardinals aiming to reduce payroll, they are unlikely to agree to a deal that requires them to absorb too much of Arenado’s salary. Additionally, the Dodgers are not expected to offer significant trade assets given their advantageous position.

Although Arenado rejected a move to Houston, the Astros might come back into the picture if they cannot re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman. If the Dodgers firmly rule out Arenado, he might be more open to a trade to Houston. Other potential suitors include the Philadelphia Phillies, who are reportedly considering moving on from Alec Bohm, and the New York Yankees, who might turn to Arenado if they fail to secure Bregman.

If Arenado remains steadfast in wanting to play for the Dodgers, the Cardinals may need to include Ryan Helsley in the trade to make the deal more appealing, which would lower the value of Helsley. If negotiations fail, the Cardinals may have no choice but to keep the aging star, which would hinder their efforts to retool the roster. The Cardinals have plans to give Nolan Gorman a shot at third base in 2025, but Arenado’s continued presence would block that opportunity, as well as the chance for Thomas Saggese, who performed well in the Arizona Fall League, to see regular playing time.

Arenado is showing no hesitation in exercising his no-trade clause, leaving the Cardinals in a holding pattern while he waits for the Dodgers to make a move, potentially leaving St. Louis in a tough position if they can’t secure a deal.