Trade rumors are circling around St. Louis Cardinals third baseman, Nolan Arenado.
The Cardinals are making noises about reducing payroll, and trying to upgrade their player evaluation and analysis functions.
It must be remembered that Arenado has a full no-trade clause in his contract.
Arenado, 33, is in the midst of a 9-year, $375 million contract he signed in 2016, while he was still playing for the Colorado Rockies.
The remaining three years of Arenado’s contract are scheduled to pay him $32 million in 2025, $27 million in 2026, and $15 million in 2027.
Unless he signs an extension, Arenado can become a free agent following the 2027 World Series.
If they can find a trade partner, the Cardinals may be inclined to trade Arenado.
Trading Arenado may be a way to reduce payroll, and open a roster spot for a younger prospect.
If he is to be traded, Arenado will have to approve the team and conditions of the trade.
That’s a big if.
However, Arenado may want to finish his current contract with a team that is closer to contention than the St. Louis Cardinals.
The right-handed hitting Arenado saw a downturn in his power production this past season.
Arenado went from 26 home runs, and 93 RBIs in 612 plate appearances in 2023, to 16 homers, and 71 RBIs in 635 plate appearances in 2024.
