What will the St. Louis Cardinals do this offseason?
The Cardinals have some work to do have a historically subpar 2023 season, but it doesn't sound like St. Louis is ready to break up its core. There was a wide range of trade rumors about the Cardinals -- even some wondering if the club would deal superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado -- throughout the 2023 season but the club decided to retain him,
Some have wondered if the Cardinals would engage in trade discussions for Arenado this offseason, but it doesn't sound like that will be the case. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal poured cold water on the possibility of an Arenado blockbuster trade on the latest episode of the Foul Territory Podcast.
"I'm sure the (Arizona Diamondbacks) would love to make a run for Nolan Arenado," Rosenthal said. "The problem with that idea is that the Cardinals are not trading Arenado."
This isn't too surprising. While some teams called about acquiring Arenado ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline, a move never seemed likely. He has a full no-trade clause and if the club were to trade him away, it would be a clear signal that St. Louis didn't expect to compete for a playoff spot shortly.
Arenado was acquired by the Cardinals ahead of the 2021 season and he unsurprisingly has been impressive. He's just 32 years old and won't be a free agent until 2028. The Cardinals struggled this season but if they can improve the starting rotation, could be back in the postseason next year. It wouldn't make much sense to trade Arenado away and it doesn't sound like it even is a possibility.
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