MLB Trade Rumors: Nolan Arenado Market Hasn't 'Progressed' amid Yankees, Red Sox Buzz
January 29, 2025
While Nolan Arenado has been connected to the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees at times this offseason, it is reportedly looking more likely that he will remain with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported Wednesday that the trade market for the third baseman "has not progressed recently." He also added "the chances continue to increase" he will be with the Cardinals at the start of Spring Training.
Jon Morosi @jonmorosiThe Nolan Arenado trade market has not progressed recently, as I reported today on <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLBNetwork</a>.<br><br>The Cardinals may not be able to find an acceptable trade before the start of spring training. <a href="https://t.co/azpb6ei8RS">https://t.co/azpb6ei8RS</a>
There has been no shortage of Arenado discussions this offseason, and he even invoked his no-trade clause in December to block a trade with the Houston Astros.
Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive reported earlier this month that Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak has made no secret of the team's desire to trade him "in an effort to cut payroll."
But that contract and his no-trade clause makes finding the right partner, especially at this point of the offseason with Spring Training set to begin next month, all the more difficult.
Arenado is scheduled to make $21 million in base salary in 2025, $16 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027 on his current deal. That is a significant deal with plenty of years remaining for someone who will turn 34 in April, although he has quite the resume.
Since entering the league in 2013, the third baseman has eight All-Star selections, 10 Gold Gloves and five Silver Sluggers. He is one of the best infielders in his generation and is someone who can hit for average and power while playing excellent defense on the hot corner.
Yet he is coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign by his elevated standards.
He slashed .272/.325/.394 with 16 home runs and 71 RBI for a Cardinals team that missed the playoffs. Trading him could help St. Louis accelerate a retooling of its roster with a focus on younger players, but that is proving to be easier said than done to this point.