St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

What a potential Nolan Arenado trade would mean for the Phillies

By Curt Bishop | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 3:30 PM ET

With the St. Louis Cardinals about to rebuild, third baseman Nolan Arenado will likely be traded. He has a no-trade clause, but has gone as far as to say he expects to be traded, and even received a final standing ovation at Busch Stadium on Sunday as he left their game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Plenty of teams need an All-Star third baseman. Jeff Jones of the Belleville News Democrat noted that the postseason-bound Philadelphia Phillies could be a good fit.

"It isn’t hard, for example, to see the Philadelphia Phillies as a glaring fit, given their lack of long-term commitment to Alec Bohm at third base, their penchant for chasing star players (many of whom could share the spotlight with Arenado in his later years), and his existing relationships and playing history alongside some of those stars," Jones wrote.

Last offseason, when the Cardinals were shopping Arenado, the Phillies were one of six teams he was willing to waive his no-trade clause to join.

What a Nolan Arenado trade would mean for Phillies

Potentially adding Arenado to the mix almost certainly means that the Phillies would be trading Bohm. The Phillies likely would not hesitate to move off of Bohm and replace him with Arenado.

Arenado would have a chance to play for a winning team that can contend for a World Series title in the near future, something he would not be able to do in St. Louis with the current state of the Cardinals.

The eight-time All-Star would give the Phillies a much-needed upgrade defensively at third base. He is a 10-time Gold Glove Award winner and has won the Platinum Glove six times.

The 34-year-old is hitting just .238/.292/.373 with 11 home runs, 50 RBI and a poor .665 OPS, but his defense at third base remains solid.

As Jones notes, the Phillies are never shy about spending money. Adding Arenado could also mean that they would be open to moving veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos and getting out from under some of his remaining money.

The Phillies may have to pay down a significant portion of Arenado's contract, but taking that on could mean Castellanos and Bohm could be on their way out.

Curt Bishop

Curt Bishop is a freelance sportswriter who graduated from Maryville University of St. Louis with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the field of communication. Curt primarily covers Major League Baseball. Curt’s work includes covering trade and free agency predictions, as well as rumors and news.

More must-reads: