As the St. Louis Cardinals struggle through a rocky start to the 2025 MLB season with a 12–16 record, trade chatter surrounding star third baseman Nolan Arenado has intensified. The team’s early underperformance has sparked speculation about potential roster shakeups, with Arenado’s future becoming a key talking point.
In a recent episode of Foul Territory, The Athletic’s Katie Woo highlighted the uncertainty regarding Arenado’s status. She explained that any decision to trade the eight-time All-Star will likely hinge on how the Cardinals perform leading up to the trade deadline. If the team stays near the .500 mark and remains in playoff contention, President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak — in his final season — is unlikely to move such a foundational player.
Arenado’s full no-trade clause complicates matters, though he is reportedly open to waiving it for select teams, including the Yankees, Dodgers, Padres, Red Sox, and Astros. Although a deal with Houston was nearly finalized during the offseason, Arenado declined it due to concerns about the Astros’ changing roster.
The Red Sox have recently re-entered the conversation as a possible landing spot, though fitting Arenado in would be tricky due to Rafael Devers already manning third base. The Yankees, Phillies, and Dodgers have also been linked to Arenado, but financial constraints and lineup structure pose obstacles.
So far this season, Arenado has posted a .255 average with a .354 on-base percentage and a .429 slugging mark, along with three home runs and 12 RBIs. His exceptional defensive play continues to be a major asset at third base.
As the Cardinals near a pivotal stretch, their direction—whether pushing for the postseason or pivoting to rebuild—will likely determine whether Arenado stays in St. Louis or becomes a major trade chip.
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