The buzz surrounding Nolan Arenado’s trade scene with the Cardinals is second to none. The multi-year deal once touted as a trendsetter is now making both parties lock horns against each other. The Cardinals are now trying to come out of the deal and seeking probable trading partners for Arenado. So, while Arenado is open to new teams and the Cardinals’ desperation for a trade, what is stretching his exit? 

A bit stretched already, it is now time for the fans to get to know about where Nolan Arenado is ending up or if he is set to continue with the Cardinals. With the trading window closing soon, time is ticking for the Cardinals to make a deal, while Arenado also has a few options left to leverage. So what next for them? What is making the Cardinals so desperate to trade Arenado?

Is Arenado past his prime?

The not-so-good 2024 season for Arenado is a reason why the Cardinals want to trade him off. He ended 2024 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs, his lowest since 2014, reflecting the shadow of his prime time. Similarly, the Cardinals finished last in NL Central 2023 and missed the playoff last season. So expectedly, they are trying to change the team core for the new season but why does only Arenado need to be axed in that case? Is Arenado only to be blamed for the Cardinal’s recent poor show?

A big no, Arenado is not getting blamed entirely for the Cardinals’ performance but his massive contract value is creating the fuss here. The Cardinals got into an eight-year contract with Arenado worth $260 million in 2019, which is set to end in 2027. Now, with this big-ticket value and still 3 years left, the Cardinals are willing to clear some money off his payroll and allow younger representation in the team. Also, Arenado is now 33 years old and by the end of this contract, he will be 36, which is not making an interesting prospect for the team rather they would like to invest in younger talents. 

However, as per MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, it seems that Arenado cannot be moved till the final trading deadline. So where is Arenado heading to?

What holds for the future?

Arenado got a no-trade clause with his contract that he cashed in to block his trading with the Astros. That’s quite surprising considering he is looking for a better competitive team while rejecting the Astros deal. Now as reported, the Red Sox is in the game, seeking Arenado from the Cardinals’ arsenal. So if the Red Sox can take the bit of remaining Arenado contract and he is all okay with it, then the Cardinals have no issue trading him off. But, if the trade deadline gets passed, then what?

With things going on currently, Nolan Arenado will likely end up with the Cardinals only. If so, then what are the options left for them? They might then like to trade Miles Mikolas, the second expensive player on their roster or they can move away from Steven Matz, another big-ticket yet injury-ridden player. Anyway, it may be, that continuing with Arenado would see shuffle in the Cardinals’ team formation. 

Now, it will be interesting to see if they both are ultimately shaking hands or if the Cardinals can successfully pull up a trading miracle. However, settling for a status quo is the most probable way forward and if so, fans do hope to see a turnaround from both Arenado and the team. 

What do you think about Arenado’s deal with the Cardinals? Put your thoughts in the comments below.