This third-baseman is one of the most talked about players in the league right now, and for good reason—his resume speaks for itself. With the upcoming season, only one question remains: who’s going to land him? The Astros? They’ve made it clear: they want him, even if it means going after him twice. And it’s not just to bolster the roster; this is something bigger. When Astros’ owner Jim Crane sets his eye on something, he doesn’t let go. But what about this player is getting Crane all intense? 

Last year, the Houston Astros had a solid season; they won the AL West title but didn’t find the same luck in the Wild Card Series. Naturally, this season, they want more. And they don’t have the same team as last year—Astros is looking to build something stronger. In December 2024, the Astros traded Kyle Tucker to the Cubs and brought in Yusei Kikuchi from the Blue Jays. 

To further strengthen the roster, they added Christian Walker at first base, sending reliever Caleb Ferguson back to the bullpen. But the outfield and bullpen still need some work, especially with Tucker and Bregman gone. 

For the second time, the Astros are after Nolan Arenado, the Cardinals’ third baseman. The 2025 Astros are in a different league, and Jim Crane is the real driving force. As the Cardinals Live posted on X, “Houston Owner Jim Crane is the real driving force behind Houston remaining in on the Arenado pursuit – told he’s “enamored” with Nolan – and it’s pretty much his call in trying to get Arenado. would really like him. – told a deal has actually gained momentum and has real traction.” Crane’s passion for making his deal happen has reset the vibes after their last try. His approach might just be what the Astros need to land Arenado.

Back then, Arenado was left unimpressed. In December 2024, Houston tried to secure Nolan Arenado. In response, the Cardinals offered to cover $15-20 million of Arenado’s salary to help make the trade happen. But Arenado had his doubts about the Astros. Especially after star players like Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman were traded to the Cubs and the Red Sox, respectively. 

The trade had a major effect on the Astros’ winning chances. Arenado wanted to join a team with a legit shot at the Diamond. However, the direction the Astros were headed in raised doubts about their competitiveness. As a result, Arenado used his no-trade clause last season to block the move.

According to MLB.com, Arenado is now reportedly “considering” being traded to Houston after the team has managed to upgrade its roster. And that’s exactly why he’s considering the Astros now. Arenado wants a winning team, and his goals remain simple: the Hall of Fame. He said, “I’ve got a lot of goals, and I truly feel in my heart I can achieve all of them.” Adding on, “I think about (the Hall of Fame) and I’d love to accomplish that. But just like with the trade stuff, when I start thinking about it, I remind myself that I need to get back to work.”

If these trade talks play out, then Arenado would play third base for the Houston Astros. Incorporating him, the lineup will see major changes. Isaac Paredes would move to second base, and José Altuve would shift to left field. And by the looks of it, with Crane in charge, this deal may come to life. 

Arenado’s career is a long list of accomplishments. He has a .285 batting average record, with 341 home runs and 1,132 RBIs. Adding on, the defensive wizard has 10 Gold Gloves and five Silver Sluggers. With these, the future Hall of Famer would be the perfect person to fill the shoes of Bregman and Tucker. The Astros needed a player with elite defense and offensive firepower to push for postseason success. 

In the off-season, the Yankees also tried their luck at securing Arenado. Since then, they’ve decided to go with internal repositioning for their infield issues. With DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza at third base. In case the trio doesn’t perform too well this spring, we might see the Yankees revisiting this option. And hey, if Arenado decides to rock the pinstripes, he can keep his beard too.

While the Houston Astros would perfect the addition of the ultimate third baseman, they have yet to confirm anything. It is uncertain whether or not the Cardinals still wish to trade Arenado. If stances have changed, we might end up seeing a face-off between the Astros and the Cardinals. But why did Nolan Arenado want to leave Houston in the first place?

Nolan Arenado and Cardinals: What went wrong?

In the last season, the Cardinals failed to make it to the playoffs. And it did not seem to bother them. For now, St. Louis’ top priority is their financial flexibility and not playing for the diamond. This shift led the Gold Glove winner and the Cardinals on different paths, leaving Arenado frustrated. The trade talks between the Astros and Cardinals were escalating for the same reason. St. Louis offered to cover $15-20 million of Arenado’s salary to make the deal happen. But Nolan had his doubts. Astros trades at the time concerned Arenado, and he exercised his no-trade clause, blocking the move. 

Last week, Cardinals president John Mozeliak admitted that he worries Arenado could bounce back in a big way. “If he’s motivated and happy, he makes us a better team,” he said. “Great players have that extra gear, and when they find it, they’re special. I wouldn’t bet against him.” Mozeliak knows Arenado’s worth, and that’s why he’s hesitant to move Arenado.

Nolan Arenado still has a $74 million contract for the next three years. Also, $10 million is still coming in from the Rockies. Plus, Arenado’s safe because of his no-trade clause. Houston’s recent roster changes—like acquiring Christian Walker—show they mean business, and that’s gotten Arenado thinking, even though he wasn’t super stoked about working with them in December. But at the same time, it’s clear he will go to a team that takes him to the championships. He’s in it to win it, and currently, the Cardinals aren’t it.