The uncertainty surrounding Nolan Arenado’s future with the St. Louis Cardinals has officially come to an end. On Monday, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak confirmed his intention to trade the star third baseman, signaling the likely conclusion of Arenado’s time with the team.
“It’s my intention to try [to trade him],” Mozeliak stated, acknowledging the need for open communication with Arenado throughout the process. “We’re exploring what some options might look like, and we’re keeping him informed about our thinking. Nothing is finalized, but we’re optimistic that both sides will find a satisfying resolution.”
Mozeliak also revealed that he recently met with Arenado in Colorado, the third baseman’s home state and where his career began. While Arenado is not actively pushing for a trade, both parties agreed that a move would be the best course of action. Mozeliak emphasized, “He’s not demanding a trade or pressuring me to do it, but this is the direction we’ve decided on.”
The St. Louis Cardinals are signaling a significant shift in their roster strategy, with President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak confirming his intent to trade star third baseman Nolan Arenado. “In the interest of both sides, I’d like to try to find him someplace,” Mozeliak said Monday, marking a turning point in Arenado’s tenure with the team. While this doesn’t officially close the Arenado chapter in St. Louis, it’s the strongest indication yet of the Cardinals’ plan to overhaul their roster.
Arenado’s likely departure coincides with the end of Paul Goldschmidt’s tenure as well, as the team is not pursuing a reunion with the free-agent first baseman. Over his time with the Cardinals, Arenado earned two Gold Gloves, made three All-Star appearances, and finished third in National League MVP voting in 2022. Despite these accolades, the team’s postseason success has been limited, with two appearances ending in early exits—first in a Wild Card loss to the Dodgers in 2021 and then a sweep by the Phillies in 2022. Arenado recorded just one hit across 12 postseason at-bats during this period.
The driving force behind this decision appears to be financial. Mozeliak cited the need to reduce payroll amid declining revenue streams, including a 23% reduction in local TV rights fees. Arenado’s $32 million salary for 2024, partially offset by $5 million from the Rockies as part of his original trade, represents a significant financial burden. “From a financial point of view, trying to move our payroll… [trading Arenado] would be a big help,” Mozeliak explained. Additionally, the move opens opportunities for players like Nolan Gorman, a promising slugger who could take over at third base.
While the Cardinals are unlikely to finalize a trade before Mozeliak departs Dallas on Wednesday, he expects the team’s roster adjustments to accelerate in the coming weeks. The market activity following Juan Soto and Willy Adames’ signings has spurred greater clarity and urgency in trade negotiations. The team may also pursue depth additions for the pitching staff once payroll adjustments are made.
Arenado’s time in St. Louis, which began with championship aspirations, now appears poised to end with fewer playoff games played as a Cardinal than during his eight seasons in Colorado. The trade that brought him to St. Louis was initially hailed as a steal, but the anticipated results on the field never materialized. Now, the Cardinals face a delicate transition, balancing the financial and strategic realities of the game with the emotional weight of parting with one of baseball’s most accomplished defenders.
“In this industry, change happens often,” Mozeliak reflected. “I understand change can feel anxious, scary, or disruptive, but sometimes it’s for the better. It’s how you embrace it and adjust.”
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