Identifying the top 7 tradable assets of the Cardinals, potential assets to part ways with before the trade deadline
As the MLB trade deadline looms, speculation surrounding the future of third baseman Nolan Arenado continues to mount. Arenado, who has a full no-trade clause, has been linked to several contending teams with a need for a reliable third baseman.
The Houston Astros, who were previously rejected by Arenado, are once again showing strong interest due to the injury of their current third baseman, Isaac Paredes. Reports suggest that Arenado may reconsider waiving his no-trade clause for a potential move to Houston [1][3][4].
Other teams reportedly on Arenado’s acceptable trade list include the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and New York teams (Mets or Yankees), as Arenado has expressed a preference to be traded only to contenders [3]. However, the Cardinals president of baseball operations has recently met with Arenado to see if his no-trade list has expanded, but Arenado’s stance remains unclear [2].
Arenado's Offensive Struggles
Arenado's defensive skills are renowned, but his below league-average offensive production may make it difficult to justify his salary. As of July 31, 2025, Arenado is slashing .243/.302/.383 with 10 home runs and a 91 wRC+ [1]. Any team targeting Arenado would need to have hope that he can improve his offensive production.
The Cardinals' Perspective
The Cardinals are motivated to get a deal done for Arenado, as it clears playing time for young players. Additionally, the Cardinals do not want to be stuck with Arenado's full contract for the next two seasons due to his continued regression. The amount of money the Cardinals would have to eat on a deal for Arenado could make him less valuable than some other players [1].
Trade Destinations
| Potential Trade Teams | Status/Notes | |------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Houston Astros | Strong interest due to injury but previously rejected trade; may reconsider[1][3][4] | | Los Angeles Dodgers | On Arenado's preferred trade list as a contender[3] | | San Diego Padres | Also on preferred trade list[3] | | Boston Red Sox | On preferred trade list[3] | | New York teams (Mets/Yankees) | Considered contenders Arenado would accept[3] |
Arenado's Decision
Arenado used his no-trade clause to block a December 2024 trade to Houston but may now weigh his options with the trade deadline imminent. He stated he has “some things to take care of” before deciding and that it will “probably be fine” whether a trade happens or not [2].
No concrete trade has occurred yet as of July 31, 2025, and Arenado’s exact trade preferences and acceptance remain partly uncertain [2][3].
In Conclusion
As the trade deadline approaches, the future of Nolan Arenado remains uncertain. With several contending teams interested in acquiring his services, it will be interesting to see if Arenado waives his no-trade clause and if the Cardinals can find a suitable trade partner.
References:
[1] MLB Trade Rumors
[2] St. Louis Post-Dispatch
[3] Sports Illustrated
[4] ESPN
Nolan Arenado, despite his defensive skills, is currently dealing with below league-average offensive production, making it a challenge for any potential team to justify his salary. The Houston Astros, who previously had their trade proposal rejected by Arenado, are showing renewed interest due to the injury of their current third baseman, Isaac Paredes [1][3][4].
Contending teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and New York teams (Mets or Yankees) are also among Arenado's acceptable trade destinations, as he has expressed a preference to join teams with a high chance of winning [3]. Arenado used his no-trade clause to block a previous trade to Houston but may now reconsider as the trade deadline approaches [2].
