The Cardinals’ Offseason Dilemma with Nolan Arenado Trade Prospects
The Nolan Arenado saga has been a major focus of the Cardinals’ offseason. With the team looking to cut payroll and give playing time to younger players like Nolan Gorman, Arenado has emerged as a top trade candidate. However, his full no-trade clause, recent decline in performance, and remaining $74 million on his contract ($10 million covered by the Rockies) have complicated trade negotiations. Despite interest from various teams, including the Astros, a deal has yet to be made.
Agent Joel Wolfe has stated that Arenado is only open to trades to teams where he can win in the short-term and long-term. The Astros, despite recent successes, did not meet Arenado’s criteria for a trade. The Red Sox have been seen as the best potential trade partner for the Cardinals, but the situation remains uncertain. Acquiring Arenado would require shifting players like Rafael Devers and Triston Casas, adding another layer of complexity to the trade talks.
As trade efforts stall, there is growing skepticism about the possibility of an Arenado deal. The Cardinals are reluctant to eat a significant portion of Arenado’s contract, which is a key reason for wanting to move him in the first place. With the team not showing strong efforts to improve for the upcoming season, trading other players with expiring contracts, like Erick Fedde and Ryan Helsley, could be a more viable option.
Despite challenges in trading Arenado, there are still possibilities for a deal to happen. The Red Sox’s potential withdrawal from the Alex Bregman bidding could increase the chances of a trade. Other teams that initially showed interest in Arenado may also re-enter discussions. However, financial constraints and roster considerations may hinder potential trade partners, making Arenado’s future with the Cardinals uncertain.
In the end, the complex nature of Arenado’s contract and declining performance make him a challenging player to trade. While a deal is not completely off the table, it seems increasingly unlikely that a trade will materialize. This situation could have significant implications for the Cardinals’ roster and future decisions.