As the 2025 Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches, Nolan Arenado’s chances of being moved from the St. Louis Cardinals appear to be diminishing. The discussions around the Nolan Arenado trade deadline have calmed, especially as the Houston Astros, one of the primary teams linked to the third baseman, have stepped back from pursuing a deal.
Before the season began, speculation was rampant that Arenado might not remain on the Cardinals’ roster. Despite Arenado not actively requesting a trade, it was clear he was open to joining a contending team under the right conditions. He provided the Cardinals with a list of five teams he preferred to be traded to, generating considerable trade rumors.
Astros’ Withdrawal Marks a Shift in Arenado’s Trade Dynamics
During the offseason, the Astros nearly acquired Arenado, with a deal agreed upon in principle. However, Arenado used his no-trade clause to block the move to Houston. Now, with the trade deadline just days away, the Astros have communicated they have no interest in reviving those talks. This decision is partly because the Astros have struggled to convince Arenado that they remain contenders this season.
The Houston Astros would like to find a third baseman while Isaac Paredes recovers from his hamstring tear, but have no interest in reigniting talks with the St. Louis Cardinals for third baseman Nolan Arenado,
said Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.
We tried to convince him that we’re not rebuilding, that the window is always open with our owner,
said Astros GM Dana Brown.
We planned to compete in 2025 and beyond. He misunderstood the plan.
What Lies Ahead for Arenado and the Cardinals Before the Deadline
With multiple factors at play, it remains uncertain whether the Cardinals will seek a transaction involving the future Hall of Famer in the remaining four days before the deadline. The team’s possible decisions will impact their direction, while Arenado’s preference for a suitable destination continues to weigh heavily on any move.
Amid these developments, other MLB trades, such as the Royals-Diamondbacks swap involving a former Cardinals outfielder, reflect the ongoing reshuffling as teams jockey to strengthen their rosters.
Sports journalist Patrick McAvoy, who has covered baseball extensively at the New England Sports Network and other national outlets, continues following these evolving stories closely.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Nolan Arenado the best 3rd baseman ever?
A. Nolan Arenado will be remembered as one of the best third basemen ever. Someday, he will be in the Hall of Fame.
Arenado is among seven MLB players with over 350 home runs and more than 10 Gold Glove Awards.
If Scott Rolen made it to the Hall of Fame, then every third baseman who stands out should also be considered. Joel Matthew Rolen was more than just above average.
Q. Has Nolan Arenado ever won a world series?
A. Before the 2021 season, the Cardinals traded for Arenado, who was a three-time All-Star and won two Gold Gloves. In 2022, he finished third in the NL MVP race. However, the Cardinals did not win any playoff series with him.