The St. Louis Cardinals are embarking on a soft rebuild, but key players Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray are likely safe. Instead, the team is open to trading third baseman Nolan Arenado, with three years remaining on his complex contract, which includes deferred money and cash from the Colorado Rockies. According to the Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals will spend the next few weeks exploring the trade market before determining their next steps.
Trade Rumors Swirl Around Nolan Arenado
This development follows the announcement that Contreras will shift to first base and designated hitter, with baseball operations president John Mozeliak stating it’s “unlikely” he’ll catch many games.
Notably, Contreras, one of four veterans with no-trade clauses, has expressed his desire to stay with the Cardinals, citing the team’s history of contending. Mozeliak confirms this exchange. He has also spoken with the three other veterans – Gray, Arenado and Miles Mikolas – though revealed little, except that one player is open to the team exploring interest from other clubs.
Having shed over $60 million from their Opening Day roster through declined options, departed free agents and other moves, the Cardinals have achieved their desired financial trimming. According to Mozeliak, further payroll reduction would provide “breathing room” heading into spring training.
To that end, the Cardinals are exploring trades involving left-hander Steven Matz, and potentially right-hander Erik Fedde, depending on the offer. This approach aligns with agent Scott Boras’ prediction that free-agent starters will be signed before relievers. If the market proves lucrative, the Cardinals can capitalize on cost-effective trade options. Notably, Mozeliak has ruled out pursuing free-agent starting pitchers and instead will focus on internal solutions and potential trades.
Arenado Being Shopped
The Cardinals owe Arenado, who turns 34 in April, $74 million over the remaining three years of his contract. The Rockies are off the hook for $10 million of the sum, which makes the contract more enticing. The 10-time Gold Glove winner and six-time Platinum Glove recipient remains a premium defender at the hot corner. While Arenado was an MVP finalist in 2022, his past two seasons at the plate have been so-so. However, he’s still an above-average hitter, but not by much. Since 2023, Arenado carries a .269/.320/.426 batting line with a 104 wRC+. Arenado’s contact skills remain strong, but his strikeout rate has increased to 15.5% since 2023, up from 13.2% in the previous four seasons.
Main Photo: © D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
