As the St. Louis Cardinals stumble through a rocky start to the 2025 MLB season, the future of the franchise cornerstone is once again under intense scrutiny. With a disappointing 12–16 record, the team finds itself under mounting pressure to make adjustments, sparking renewed speculation that a perennial All-Star and Gold Glove third baseman could be on the move before the trade deadline.
The conversation was reignited during a recent episode of Foul Territory, where The Athletic’s Katie Woo weighed in on the situation. Woo highlighted the precarious position the Cardinals are in and noted that any decision to move he would be directly tied to how the club performs over the coming months. If the Cardinals manage to stay competitive, hovering near the .500 mark and remaining within striking distance of a postseason berth, Woo believes it’s unlikely that longtime President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak — currently in his final season with the organization — would entertain the idea of trading away a player as influential and established as the superstar.
Still, the speculation persists, in part because of the flexibility within Nolan Arenado’s current contract. While the 33-year-old slugger holds a full no-trade clause — giving him the power to veto any deal — sources suggest he may be open to waiving it for a select group of contending teams. Those reportedly include the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and Houston Astros.
Interestingly, one trade involving the Astros nearly materialized this past offseason but ultimately fell apart after Arenado reportedly declined to approve the move. According to insiders, his reluctance stemmed from concerns about the direction of Houston’s roster and questions about the team’s long-term competitiveness following a string of offseason departures.
Arenado, still considered one of the game’s top defensive third basemen and a reliable power hitter, would be a highly sought-after addition for any playoff-bound franchise. He remains under contract through the 2027 season, making roughly $27 million per year — a significant investment, but one many contenders would be willing to consider given his pedigree and playoff experience.
For now, Arenado continues to suit up for St. Louis, though the situation remains fluid. The front office faces difficult choices in the weeks ahead, especially as the trade deadline looms and questions about the team’s ability to rebound grow louder. If the Cardinals continue to slide, a blockbuster move involving Arenado could become more of a realistic option than anyone in the organization originally anticipated.
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