It appears likely that Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado will be traded this offseason, pending the resolution of free agent signings. Arenado seems willing to waive his no-trade clause if he likes the destination, with reports suggesting he is open to moving to first base.
Arenado is owed $59 million over the next two seasons, with a portion being paid by the Rockies. The Cardinals may consider picking up some of the remaining money to facilitate a trade. In 2027, Arenado is set to make $15 million in his age-36 season.
Despite some concerns about his drop in slugging, Arenado remains a valuable player, having hit .272/.325/.394 with 16 homers, 71 RBI, and 2.5 WAR last season. Here are 10 potential trade partners for the Cardinals to consider.
Astros
The Astros could be a good fit for Arenado due to his pull-heavy hitting style. Playing in Houston’s hitter-friendly ballpark could boost his slugging. The team’s consistent playoff appearances and potential openings in the infield make them a strong contender.
Yankees
The Yankees are focused on Juan Soto, but Arenado could be a valuable addition, either at first base or third base. His defensive skills could benefit the team, though the ballpark might not be ideal for his hitting style.
Mets
If the Mets miss out on Soto and Alonso, Arenado could be a good fit. Moving Vientos to first base and slotting in Arenado at third could strengthen the team’s lineup.
Diamondbacks
The D-backs have shown improvement in recent seasons and could benefit from Arenado’s presence. Whether at third or first base, he could help fill a void in the lineup.
Mariners
The Mariners have been competitive but lack offensive firepower. Arenado could provide a boost, either at third or first base, given his versatility and strong defensive skills.
Blue Jays
The Blue Jays are looking to solidify their roster to entice Guerrero Jr. and Soto. Adding Arenado could bolster their lineup and show their commitment to contending.
The possibility of Arenado staying at third base alongside Bo Bichette, who is poised for a bounce-back season before entering free agency, with Guerrero at first is intriguing.
One interesting scenario for the Blue Jays could involve signing Soto and trading for Arenado. The Red Sox have been considering moving Devers from third to first base, creating an opening at third that could be filled by Arenado. This move would reunite Arenado with his former Rockies teammate Trevor Story and provide him with the opportunity to take advantage of the Green Monster in Fenway Park.
The Tigers, coming off a successful run to the ALDS, could benefit from adding Arenado to their lineup. The Royals, who made a remarkable turnaround in the 2024 season, could also be a potential landing spot for Arenado at third base.
Even the Dodgers could be a surprising destination for Arenado, with the flexibility to move players around to accommodate him at third base. The financial aspect may not be an issue, and Arenado would likely welcome the chance to play for a competitive team like the Dodgers.
In conclusion, a move involving Arenado to a new team is not out of the realm of possibility, and it could provide an exciting shakeup in the MLB landscape. following sentence:
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