The Cardinals aren’t getting a good return on their investment in one of their highest-paid players.
The St. Louis Cardinals have been a pleasant surprise this MLB season. Despite a strong start by the Chicago Cubs, the Cardinals sit just three games out of first in the NL Central and are four games above .500. Their roster features a promising mix of rising talent and seasoned veterans like Miles Mikolas, Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, and Nolan Arenado. However, Arenado hasn’t lived up to expectations in 2025, making him a prime trade candidate.
The Cardinals’ front office, led by John Mozeliak and Chaim Bloom, has already attempted to move Arenado multiple times. A deal with the Houston Astros was even in place, but Arenado refused to waive his no-trade clause. That clause has been a major obstacle, with other interested teams like the MLB-best Detroit Tigers not on his approved trade list.
Clubs like the Yankees and Red Sox had previously shown interest but quickly moved on to other options. Arenado’s underwhelming performance this year — a .242 average, .695 OPS, and minimal power — only adds to the frustration for St. Louis.
Cardinals reach a breaking point with Nolan Arenado
The Cardinals recently dropped Nolan Arenado down in the batting order due to his ongoing struggles at the plate. Although he still provides solid defense at third base, his offensive production has fallen short this season. And Arenado himself acknowledges it.
“We changed the lineup because the guys ahead of me have been playing well, and the hitters behind me deserved to move up,” Arenado explained. “That’s really all there is to it.”
Arenado holds himself to a high standard—he’s a former NL MVP—but his power numbers have steadily declined since leaving Colorado’s hitter-friendly Coors Field. These days, he’s hardly a threat with the bat, and it’s clearly affecting his confidence.
“I don’t really have a clear answer. I just need to play better, to perform like I know I can,” Arenado admitted. “But it’s been a while since I’ve felt like myself out there, so I’m not sure if that version of me is coming back.”
That kind of honesty wasn’t what Cardinals fans wanted to hear—and it sheds light on why the team considered trading him before the season while his value still held some weight.
