The St. Louis Cardinals have been actively exploring trade options for third baseman Nolan Arenado throughout the offseason but have struggled to find an ideal match. Arenado’s hefty contract remains a challenge, and complicating matters further, he has a no-trade clause. While he has reportedly approved potential trades to a few teams, he remains with the Cardinals as Spring Training begins.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post, St. Louis and the Houston Astros have resumed trade discussions, hoping that Arenado might now agree to a deal. Earlier in the offseason, he reportedly declined a trade to Houston.
“Since nothing else materialized — there were talks with Boston in case Alex Bregman went elsewhere — the Cardinals and Astros recently re-engaged in case Arenado would accept now,” Heyman reported. “That may still be the best hope. But there doesn’t appear to be anything imminent there, either.”
This latest trade update could be significant for Astros fans, raising several questions: How much of Arenado’s contract is Houston willing to take on? Would he be open to waiving his no-trade clause now? Have circumstances changed enough to persuade him? And are the Cardinals becoming desperate to move him?
While it remains unlikely that Arenado will approve a trade to Houston, there is still a possibility he has had a change of heart. Being part of a team that has openly explored moving you can be draining, and with Spring Training now underway, the situation may feel even more uncomfortable—even for a veteran like Arenado.
The Astros have already made moves to strengthen their roster for 2025, and acquiring Arenado—likely without giving up significant prospect capital—would bolster their chances heading into the regular season.
However, for Cardinals fans, this latest development may just feel like another case of déjà vu.