The trade discussions involving Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals have reignited as the Houston Astros revisit their interest this summer. This development comes despite Arenado’s underwhelming offensive performance and a previously declined trade offer, highlighting how shifting team dynamics and injuries have brought Arenado back into focus around the trade deadline.
Background on the Previous Trade Discussions Between Cardinals and Astros
Last offseason, the Cardinals and Astros reached an agreement on a trade sending Arenado to Houston, but Arenado chose not to finalize the move, opting to see how the offseason unfolded. The agreement followed the Astros’ decision to trade outfielder Kyle Tucker, which raised questions for Arenado about Houston’s competitiveness in 2025. While Arenado did not outright reject the idea, his hesitation prevented the deal from materializing.
Astros general manager Dana Brown later addressed the situation, clarifying the team’s intentions to remain competitive. Brown explained,
“We tried to convince him that we’re not rebuilding, that the window is always open with our owner,”
before adding,
“We planned to compete in 2025 and beyond. He misunderstood our plan.”
—Dana Brown, Astros GM
Following Arenado’s decision, Houston shifted its focus and signed first baseman Christian Walker, seemingly ending their pursuit of Arenado. However, a recent hamstring injury to Astros’ third baseman Isaac Paredes has reopened the market for third basemen, bringing Arenado’s name back into conversations at this trade deadline.
Arenado’s Recent Performance and Health Issues Impact Trade Value
This season has been a difficult one for Nolan Arenado at the plate. Over 94 games, his slash line sits at .235/.295/.368, with only 10 home runs and an 85 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) that reflects a noticeable decline. The downward trend has intensified in July, during which Arenado’s slash dropped to a mere .163/.226/.204, resulting in a 24 wRC+, and plunging further to a 14 wRC+ since the second half began.
Arenado has been managing multiple injuries recently, a factor contributing to his lackluster offensive output. His prolonged regression at the plate has created frustration both for the player and the Cardinals organization as they consider their options.
League-Wide Interest in Arenado Amid Tight Third Base Market
As Arenado struggles, several contending teams have reportedly expressed curiosity about acquiring him, attracted by the scarcity of quality third basemen for playoff pushes. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand identified potential suitors including the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Astros.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, appear motivated to move Arenado’s contract. Despite likely needing to absorb part of his salary, St. Louis aims to reduce its payroll burden significantly. A considerable drop in attendance this year, combined with reductions in regional TV revenue, has pressured the organization financially, increasing the urgency to create roster flexibility. General manager Chaim Bloom is looking to regain maneuverability to reshape the team more effectively in the offseason, moving past previous deals made under former GM John Mozeliak.
What This Could Mean for the Cardinals and Arenado
The renewed trade talks underscore just how challenging the current season has been for both Arenado and the Cardinals. Were a deal to occur, it could provide St. Louis relief from a costly contract and allow them to rebuild, while the Astros or another contender might gain a veteran infielder to bolster their lineup as they compete in 2025. However, with no momentum for a deal as of now, according to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, the situation remains fluid heading into August’s trade deadline.
Nolan Arenado’s name has come up in trade talks between the Astros and Cardinals, but there’s no momentum toward a deal as of this morning. @MLBNetwork — Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 29, 2025
This ongoing uncertainty encapsulates the frustration felt by fans and observers alike, as Arenado aims to regain form and the Cardinals work to balance competitiveness with financial realities.