Nolan Arenado reportedly blocked trade to one team

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Cardinals' Nolan Arenado reportedly blocked trade to perennial contender

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated Dec 19, 2024 8:54 AM ET

After two straight disappointing seasons, the St. Louis Cardinals are looking to hit the reset button, and moving third baseman Nolan Arenado has been at the top of their to-do list.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, John Denton and Brian McTaggart report that the Cardinals and the Houston Astros were discussing the 10-time Gold Glove Award winner, but the 33-year-old Arenado refused to waive his no-trade clause.

To close the deal, the Cardinals were willing to send the Astros $15M to help with Arenado's hefty contract, but the return to the Cardinals is unknown.

The Astros reportedly don't feel too hopeful that a deal will be made, so the Cardinals will likely need to find another suitor if they wish to strike a deal before spring training starts.

The eight-time All-Star is coming off his worst season as a pro, slashing .272/.325/.394 with 16 home runs and 71 RBI in 152 games.

Arenado struggled mightily with his extra-base power, posting his lowest doubles total in his career with 23 and his lowest home run total since his rookie season in 2013.

Still a more than capable defender at third base, he has shown signs of slowing down on the hot corner and even entertained the idea of moving to first base to facilitate a trade to a new team.

While his elite seasons might be behind him, Arenado can still be one of the best third basemen in baseball if he can regain his power stroke at the plate.

If the Cardinals can't find a deal they like this offseason, holding on to Arenado and dealing him at the trade deadline next season is another option for them.

Hoping he can bounce back, the Cardinals will be able to find a team desperate to give up young talent for his services in the middle of the 2025 season that would likely be better than the return they can get this offseason.

Michael Carpenter

Michael is a California kid, living in Arizona as a graduate of The Cronkite School of Journalism, Forks Up. He believes Yadier Molina will be in the Hall, and Dez caught it. Michael njoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two beautiful daughters or playing video games. You can find him on Twitter @_MCSports.

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