Latest Nolan Arenado trade destination comes with major catch for Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a rebuilding phase as the front office gears up for the future.

With John Mozeliak set to step down after the 2025 season, the team has begun considering trades for its top players, including veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado.

Despite a decline in his performance over the past couple of seasons, Arenado remains one of the league’s best defenders, which makes him an intriguing trade candidate.

However, the 33-year-old’s contract, still worth $74 million over the next three years, poses a significant challenge in finding a trade partner willing to absorb such a large financial commitment.

Arenado’s offensive production has been on the decline, with his slugging numbers dropping for two consecutive seasons.

His OPS in 2024 was his lowest since his rookie year. While he remains a standout defensively, earning a 10th Gold Glove, his aging profile and regression at the plate have raised questions about his future.

As a result, teams may be hesitant to take on the remaining value of his contract, especially when considering his recent performance.

Despite these concerns, the Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as a possible suitor for Arenado.

According to MLB insider Jim Bowden, the Phillies could be interested in trading for the eight-time All-Star, seeing him as a potential upgrade over their current third baseman, Alec Bohm.

However, the trade would hinge on the Cardinals agreeing to absorb a significant portion of Arenado’s remaining contract.

The Phillies, already facing a hefty tax bill, are unlikely to take on the full salary, and with Arenado’s recent decline, they would not want to make him their primary offseason target.

Arenado’s potential fit with the Phillies is intriguing, especially given the hitter-friendly environment of Citizens Bank Park and the protection he could receive from Philadelphia’s strong lineup.

However, the risk associated with his contract and aging profile makes this trade complex. If the Phillies were to pursue Arenado, it would likely require moving Bohm and perhaps acquiring additional pieces to bolster their roster further.

For the Cardinals, moving Arenado could be a way to shed salary and clear space for their younger players as they embrace a youth movement. However, the likelihood of finding a suitor who is willing to take on most of Arenado’s contract remains slim. As the offseason progresses, St. Louis may have to adjust its expectations, recognizing that any trade involving Arenado may not yield the kind of return they are hoping for, especially if they are forced to absorb a large portion of his salary.

In the end, while the Phillies may show interest, the financial and performance risks involved make it unclear if a deal will come to fruition, leaving the Cardinals to continue navigating the challenges of their rebuild.