Arenado's trade wishlist revealed
Nolan Arenado has become a major talking point this offseason as the St. Louis Cardinals consider trading their star third baseman. With the franchise entering a rebuild, moving Arenado could mark a pivotal shift in their strategy for 2025 and beyond. However, his full no-trade clause complicates matters, as he has control over where he might land.
According to John Denton of MLB.com, “In addition to having the Dodgers, Padres and Angels on his wish list, Arenado would also be willing to accept a trade to the Phillies, Mets or Red Sox, per a source close to the negotiations.”
These six teams—Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox—represent his preferred destinations. The Cardinals are reportedly prioritizing these teams in ongoing discussions.
The Philadelphia Phillies, who have fallen short in recent playoff runs, remain one of Arenado’s approved trade options. Despite being expected to make significant offseason moves, the Phillies have yet to act. Fans are growing impatient, especially after seeing rivals like the New York Mets secure Juan Soto in a record-breaking deal.
Philadelphia has explored trading Alec Bohm, their young All-Star third baseman, but nothing has materialized. While Bohm remains a promising talent, his attitude and inconsistency have raised concerns within the organization.
A potential deal involving Bohm for Arenado seems plausible, but it might require additional pieces from St. Louis to satisfy Phillies’ President Dave Dombrowski. Swapping an ascending player like Bohm for an aging Arenado—whose performance has dipped—raises questions about long-term value.
Arenado’s 2024 season showed signs of regression. Across 152 games, he hit .272 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs, ending his streak of three consecutive All-Star appearances. While his defense remains elite—evidenced by 10 Gold Gloves and five Silver Sluggers—his bat has been less reliable.
Arenado is a career .285 hitter with 341 home runs and 1,132 RBIs, but concerns about his declining offensive output could impact his trade market.
Additionally, Arenado’s contract, worth $21 million in 2025, presents another hurdle. Teams like the Yankees and Dodgers, despite their financial resources, have reportedly cooled on pursuing him due to the financial commitment. St. Louis may need to absorb part of his salary to facilitate a trade.
The Cardinals’ willingness to trade Arenado signals their focus on reshaping the roster. While Arenado has shown flexibility, including being open to playing first base to ease a trade, his market is still limited by his no-trade clause and declining production.
As the Phillies face pressure to improve, acquiring Arenado could provide a short-term boost. However, Dombrowski must weigh the risks of trading younger assets for a veteran with diminishing returns. For Arenado, the upcoming weeks will determine whether he dons a new uniform or remains in St. Louis.
The clock is ticking, and with winter meetings behind us, trade talks will intensify. Arenado’s next destination could reshape the league landscape, but it all hinges on which team is willing to take the plunge.
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