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Nolan Arenado Reportedly Blocked Potential Offseason Trade

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Dec 18, 2024 5:13 PM ET

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado has been on the trade block the last few weeks.

Arenado, 33, has three years remaining on his nine-year, $275 million contract. The Cardinals are trying to get some, if not all, of that money off the books, which is why they've been in discussions to trade the 10-time Gold Glover. Complicating matters is the fact Arenado has a no-trade clause, which means he has to approve any potential deal before it happens.

According to a report from MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, Brian McTaggart and John Denton, Arenado has vetoed a trade to the Houston Astros. The American League West powerhouse had been seen as a strong fit for Arenado given their short left field porch and possible opening at third base with Alex Bregman exploring free agency.

Instead, the Astros will have to look elsewhere to fill that potential void.

After starring for the Colorado Rockies from 2013-20, Arenado was traded to the Cardinals. He made the All-Star Game in each of his first three seasons in St. Louis.

In 2024, Arenado's production slipped, with his OPS falling to .719, the lowest since his debut season. He still managed to hit for average (.272) and contributed 16 home runs, 71 RBI and solid defense at third base.

“We both remain optimistic that both parties will remain happy somehow,” Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said during the recent Winter Meetings. “[Arenado remaining with the Cardinals] is a possibility, but I’m not sure that puts us where we want to be. From a financial standpoint of trying to move our payroll – there are certainly other ways to do that, but [trading Arenado] would be a big help. It’s financial, but it also creates a runway for someone else.”

Arenado is owed a total of $74 million over the next three seasons. The Rockies have to kick in $10 million, while $12 million of the deal is deferred.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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