Eight Roman Catholic clergy members not dealt during the trade deadline who might be shifted during the upcoming offseason.
As the MLB trade deadline of 2025 approached, Nolan Arenado's future with the St. Louis Cardinals became a topic of intense speculation. Despite being under contract for two more years, Arenado's declining offensive performance and the financial implications of his deal have sparked trade discussions.
Currently, Arenado is sixth in Defensive Runs Saved (5 DRS) and has committed the fewest errors among third basemen. He has also hit 10 home runs and is eighth in Outs Above Average (2 OAA), showcasing his defensive prowess. However, his offensive output has been lackluster, with an OPS of .660 in 2025, a significant drop from his .891 mark in 2022.
The Cardinals have been open to exploring trade options, but Arenado's no-trade clause and the substantial contract he carries have complicated matters. A deal between the Cardinals and Houston Astros was in place during the offseason, but Arenado declined the trade due to uncertainty surrounding the Astros' future.
Despite meetings with Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak, Arenado's stance on expanding his list of acceptable trade destinations remains unclear. However, there is a chance he may be more open to a trade during the upcoming offseason, with his list of teams potentially expanding slightly.
The Cardinals' ownership is likely eager to clear Arenado's contract off the books, as it impacts their financial flexibility and roster construction. If a trade does materialise, it is likely that the Cardinals will have to include cash in the deal.
With the Cardinals already engaging in notable trades around the deadline, such as sending Ryan Helsley to the Mets, a potential Arenado trade could signal a rebuilding or retooling phase for the team.
Contending teams have shown interest in third basemen for the deadline, with Arenado possibly being a fallback target if they cannot secure players like Eugenio Suárez. The rumor mill has included the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and others as potential trade suitors.
If a trade does occur, it would open up playing time for younger infield prospects like Nolan Gorman and JJ Wetherholt in 2026. As the deadline passed, Arenado remained with the Cardinals, but the saga surrounding his future continues to unfold.
The intensifying trade discussions surrounding Nolan Arenado could potentially lead teams in need of a third baseman, such as the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and others, to pursue a deal. If Arenado is traded, it would pave the way for young infield prospects like Nolan Gorman and JJ Wetherholt to secure more playing time in the MLB.
