If Nolan Arenado wants to join a contender while escaping a team eager to move on from him, he may need to broaden his list of preferred trade destinations.
The St. Louis Cardinals have embraced a full-scale rebuild this offseason, allowing several veteran pitchers to leave in free agency before also parting ways with Paul Goldschmidt and others. With those departures, the focus has shifted to Arenado and a few other key players who could be dealt.
Arenado’s situation is particularly intriguing. Despite being the player the Cardinals seem most eager to trade, he appears to be the least likely to move. His massive contract is a hurdle, as St. Louis is reportedly only willing to cover about $20 million of it. Additionally, his no-trade clause limits potential suitors, as he has a list of teams he would accept a trade to, with all others off the table.
With trade talks stalling and few of his preferred teams emerging as realistic options, the Cardinals may need Arenado to reconsider his stance if a deal is to happen. Should he be open to expanding his list, three teams stand out as potential fits.
3. Detroit Tigers
For Arenado to consider more teams, the ideal destination must need a third baseman and be a contender. Fortunately, the teams previously linked to Alex Bregman fit these criteria.
The Tigers would be a logical landing spot if Arenado is willing to accept a trade to Detroit. They have both the financial flexibility and the prospect capital to make a deal happen. Additionally, Detroit is actively looking to strengthen its roster to return to the playoffs in 2025. With reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal set to dominate once again, the Tigers have no reason not to build a postseason-caliber team around him.
Detroit also boasts a strong pipeline of young talent in the minor leagues and has made smart free-agent acquisitions. If they can convince Arenado to waive his no-trade clause for them, they could position themselves as the top team in the AL Central.
2. Chicago Cubs
Another team that pursued Bregman and could pivot to Arenado is the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs have a pressing need at third base, especially with top prospect Matt Shaw struggling with injuries. When healthy, Shaw could slot in at second base while Arenado takes over at third.
Chicago has been aggressive this offseason, and if Arenado were open to a move, a deal could come together quickly. They were heavily involved in Bregman trade talks and could shift their focus to Arenado if he becomes available.
The Cubs are clearly in win-now mode, as shown by their blockbuster trades for Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly. Acquiring Arenado would be another major move to solidify their championship aspirations.
The biggest obstacle is that the Cubs and Cardinals are division rivals. However, St. Louis may see moving Arenado to Chicago as a case of addition by subtraction, making them less hesitant to deal him within the NL Central.
1. New York Yankees
The Yankees have been a consistent presence in trade discussions since the Cardinals began exploring Arenado’s market. Early in the process, New York reportedly made an offer to bring him to the Bronx.
However, Arenado turned down that proposal, refusing a trade to the Yankees. That said, he may reconsider if he prioritizes competing for a World Series as his career winds down.
No team in baseball has a more pressing need at third base than the Yankees. After losing Gleyber Torres in free agency, they plan to move Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base, leaving a major hole at third. Currently, their best internal options are DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera, neither of whom provide an ideal solution.
If Arenado wants to win, New York represents his best opportunity. The Yankees reached the World Series last season and have bolstered their roster despite losing Juan Soto. Even without Soto, they remain among the AL’s elite, and adding Arenado could push them over the top.