As the MLB trade deadline arrives on July 31 at 6 p.m. ET, teams are intensifying talks to adjust their rosters. With the amateur draft now concluded, front offices are shifting their focus fully to potential trades. The Cardinals, among other organizations, are evaluating key players and their contractual clauses, including the Nolan Arenado no-trade clause, in preparation for possible deals before the deadline.
Minnesota Twins Open to Offers for Upcoming Free Agents
The Minnesota Twins have started listening to trade proposals for several of their rental players, though controllable players like Jhoan Duran and Joe Ryan are unlikely to be moved without exceptional offers. The Twins’ notable free agents available include outfielder Harrison Bader, utility player Willi Castro, left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe, and starter Chris Paddack. At 48-52, Minnesota trails by five games in the wild-card race but remains hopeful for future contention. They seek to leverage their rental assets to improve their position without executing a full rebuild.
Cardinals Plan Discussions on Nolan Arenado’s No-Trade Preferences
John Mozeliak, the outgoing Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations, intends to clarify Nolan Arenado’s no-trade clause conditions as the deadline approaches. Arenado exercised his full no-trade clause to block a trade to the Houston Astros during the offseason and reportedly submitted a shortlist of five to six teams he would consider. It remains uncertain if Arenado’s preferences have shifted since then. Mozeliak emphasized the importance of understanding Arenado’s stance in the final week before the deadline.
I will (talk to Arenado about the no-trade clause). I haven’t, but that’s something we will have a good understanding of as we enter that final week,
Mozeliak said.
Right now, I would envision him being a part of this in the future, but if something were to pop up, I would definitely discuss it with him.
—John Mozeliak, Cardinals President of Baseball Operations
Other Cardinals players with no-trade clauses include first baseman Willson Contreras and starter Sonny Gray. Both expressed a preference to stay in St. Louis during the offseason, and Mozeliak noted he had no indication that those wishes have changed. At 52-49, the Cardinals are positioned just 3½ games behind the third wild-card spot, with Mozeliak overseeing his final season leading the team’s baseball operations.
Seattle Mariners Express Interest in Eugenio Suárez
The Seattle Mariners have made inquiries regarding Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suárez, who is now a rental player and a major figure in trade discussions. Originally traded by Seattle to Arizona in the offseason as part of a salary relief move, Suárez has proven productive, hitting 36 home runs this season as of Monday. Despite Arizona’s recent sweep of St. Louis, the Diamondbacks trail the wild-card race by 5½ games. Other rental players available from Arizona include pitchers Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and outfielder Josh Naylor. The Mariners currently sit in the second wild-card position and are seeking to boost their third base production, as their recent performance in home runs and WAR at the position ranks near the bottom in MLB.
Kansas City Royals Pursue Offensive Enhancements While Protecting Pitching Core
The Kansas City Royals aim to strengthen their lineup without compromising their highly ranked pitching staff. According to ESPN, the Royals’ offense ranks near the bottom of the league, particularly the outfield, which collectively has just 19 home runs and a negative WAR of 2.1. While their pitching and defense are among the best in the league, with the team allowing the second-fewest runs per game, run production remains a critical weakness. The Royals are actively seeking offensive upgrades in trade talks to address this imbalance ahead of the deadline.
Trade Deadline Implications and Outlook for Key Teams
As the July 31 trade deadline nears, teams like the Cardinals will closely evaluate player preferences and no-trade clauses, especially regarding Nolan Arenado, to determine possible moves that could strengthen their playoff chances. The Cardinals’ pursuit of clarity on Arenado’s trade options reflects how critical contract details are to deadline negotiations. Meanwhile, teams such as the Mariners and Royals focus on filling roster gaps to remain competitive. The upcoming days are expected to generate heightened trade activity, reshaping team lineups as they strive for post-season success.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Nolan Arenado the best 3rd baseman ever?
A. Nolan Arenado is considered among the top third basemen ever and is expected to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. He’s one of only seven MLB players to have over 350 home runs and win more than ten Gold Glove Awards. If Scott Rolen was inducted, every third baseman better than average deserves to be, as Joel Matthew Rolen was above average.
Q. Has Nolan Arenado ever won a world series?
A. Before the 2021 season, the Cardinals traded for Arenado from the Rockies. At that time, Arenado had made the All-Star team three times and won two Gold Gloves. He placed third in the NL MVP voting in 2022. Despite his achievements, the Cardinals did not win a playoff series with him.