BREAKING: Blockbuster Trade Idea Sends Cardinals’ $260 Million Superstar To AL Club
The St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly spent the entire offseason trying to trade their $260 million infielder, Nolan Arenado. The closest they came was a potential deal with the Houston Astros, which fell through after Arenado exercised his no-trade clause. However, with the Astros trending upward, he might be more open to waiving it.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer recently predicted that the Cardinals would ultimately trade Arenado to Houston in exchange for two players. His proposed deal:
Houston Astros receive:
- 3B Nolan Arenado
St. Louis Cardinals receive:
- RHP Lance McCullers Jr.
- RHP Miguel Ullola (No. 6 prospect)
Rymer explained that the Cardinals’ primary motivation would be shedding salary. While they owe Arenado $64 million through 2027, McCullers has $34.4 million remaining through 2026. Since McCullers hasn’t pitched since 2022, his value is uncertain, making Ullola—a 22-year-old righty with a strong fastball and impressive minor league strikeout numbers—a key part of the return.
To make the trade work, St. Louis might need to include $5–10 million, as swapping Arenado for McCullers alone likely wouldn’t land them a top-seven Astros prospect. If Arenado agrees to waive his no-trade clause, the deal could benefit both sides—Houston gaining a star infielder, while the Cardinals clear payroll and add a promising young arm.