BREAKING: Cardinals president John Mozeliak Finally Reveals Nolan Arenado Shock Contract Decision
One of the final major decisions St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak will likely make is orchestrating a trade for veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado. With Mozeliak set to step down after the 2025 MLB season and hand control over to Chaim Bloom, the longtime executive is expected to make moves that set the franchise up for long-term success before his departure.
Moving Arenado in exchange for valuable assets could be a step toward that goal. However, the eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner (including six platinum) has significant control over his future due to a no-trade clause in his contract. He exercised that power in December to block a trade to the Houston Astros, but reports indicate Houston has renewed discussions with St. Louis.
With spring training games in progress and Opening Day approaching, Arenado may have to reconsider Houston if he truly wants to play elsewhere this season. Mozeliak, however, remains cautious about any potential deal.
“I don’t feel anything is imminent,” he told Katie Woo of The Athletic. “I can’t comment or chase every rumor.”
Meanwhile, Cardinals fans are growing increasingly impatient. They want clarity on Arenado’s future so the team can move forward, as his uncertain status continues to leave the organization in a state of limbo.
Cardinals, Arenado might be best served by sticking together
It’s worth considering whether both sides might be better off halting trade discussions and focusing on the upcoming season. The primary goal of trading the 33-year-old and his remaining $52 million contract would be to maximize his trade value and gain more financial flexibility. However, the Cardinals are still struggling to find a deal that suits both them and Arenado, and with limited opportunities to make impactful signings, the value of a trade may be diminishing.
John Mozeliak might ultimately decide that it’s easier to retain Arenado for 2025, leaving Chaim Bloom to handle any decisions next offseason. There’s also the possibility that Arenado, a five-time Silver Slugger, could help keep St. Louis competitive in the winnable National League Central.
Despite a disappointing 2024 season with just 16 home runs, a .325 on-base percentage, .394 slugging, and a .719 OPS, Arenado has been working hard to rediscover his powerful swing. He still possesses an elite glove at third base, making him a valuable asset even when his bat is struggling. A resurgence in St. Louis might still be on the horizon.
On the other hand, perhaps trade talks have dragged on too long for the relationship to continue productively. For now, Arenado is behaving like a committed member of the team, having gone 1-for-2 in the spring training opener against the Miami Marlins.