Nolan Arenado’s future with the St. Louis Cardinals seems to be hanging by a thread. When Cardinals president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, was asked whether he’d trade their superstar third baseman, he didn’t mince words: “It is my intention to try”, and that’s as direct as it gets. This decision can mostly be triggered by the team’s rather disappointing time lately, which needs change. They had a 71-91 season in 2023 and showed just a nominal improvement with 83 wins this year. But the team is far from being the dominant name they were.

Mozeliak had confirmed to the Athletic that their 2025 roster would be of a different profile with younger players and a reduced payroll. That just is a siren call; there was no room there for Arenado. He is a Hall of Fame-worthy player, with 10 Gold Gloves, six Platinum Gloves, and eight All-Star selections. His career WAR is 56.7, which puts him among the best third basemen of all time. But since moving is on the cards, Arenado has a wishlist of places he would want to move to!

Nolan Arenado’s trade wishlist

Nolan Arenado isn’t one to sit and brood, especially since he is such a stellar player. Hence, he has his eyes set on a fresh start, and MLB’s John Denton has revealed six teams are on his trade wishlist—the Dodgers, Padres, Angels, Phillies, Mets, and Red Sox. But that leaves everyone with a big question—where are the Yankees? The New York Yankees, despite having a deep need for an infield, didn’t cut it in. It is an omission that’s raising many eyes, especially because Arenado has Angels on the wishlist. They aren’t thriving right now, and it’s a question that only he would have the answer to.

However, even the Yankees probably aren’t looking toward him. Jack Curry of YES Network reported that Arenado is “not a fit” for the Yankees 2025 roster. Meanwhile, Arenado, being a Newport Beach native, could dream of suiting up with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He could be in the home vicinity and could chase the World Series a couple of times before he hangs his cleats. If not the Dodgers, he could still join the Padres and stay close to his roots.

Nolan Arenado is also looking at contenders from the Northeast. The Phillies, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox all have corner infield needs, and Arenado does fit well. Plus, he also is flexible and has shown he can transition to first base if needed. But buyers need to be aware because getting Arenado will also mean taking risks.

Arenado is a pricey gamble for teams

Nolan Arenado is no doubt a star third baseman, but he is turning 34 years old in April. Plus, his best years are behind him now. Over the last few seasons, his performance has been decent but not great. However, that’s not even the major issue—he has three years left on his contract worth $32 million in 2024, $27 million in 2025, and $15 million in 2026. His previous team, the Rockies, is paying $5 million of his salary for the next two years, but even with that help, $64 million is a lot for a player entering later years.

Another complication is Nolan Arenado’s no-trade clause, which he got as part of the eight-year contract extension he signed with Colorado in 2019. He waived it to join the Cardinals in 2021, but then they added an extra year and an opt-out, which Arenado declined in 2022. If traded again, he might have more incentives and contract adjustments; this year, too, his performance has raised concerns, with just 16 home runs and a slugging percentage that’s dipped below .400.

Plus, his bat is slowing down too! So, teams need to risk it out to take Nolan Arenado on. Which team do you think will take that leap of faith? Let us know in the comments below.