Los Angeles is emerging as a potential landing spot for veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado, as the Cardinals continue to explore trades involving their veteran players. The possibility first surfaced last week with a report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, and was echoed this week by Will Sammon and Katie Woo.
Angels Clear Path for Arenado, But Hurdles Remain
Table of Contents
The Angels’ restructuring of Anthony Rendon’s contract has opened a potential avenue for acquiring Arenado.
- The Angels have resolved their third base logjam by restructuring Anthony Rendon’s contract.
- St. Louis’ ability to move Arenado has been complicated by the presence of other free-agent third basemen.
- The Cardinals have already moved two veteran contracts this offseason, but both required financial considerations.
- Arenado’s no-trade clause and the financial implications of a deal remain key obstacles.
Two obstacles previously stood in the way of a deal, one for each team. However, the Angels addressed their side of the equation yesterday, agreeing to a restructured contract with Anthony Rendon. The restructured deal defers $38 million over the next three to five seasons, effectively ending Rendon’s time with the team in 2026. Following the news, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register identified Arenado as a potential trade target for the Angels.
Could the Angels land Arenado? Despite being a Southern California native, Arenado’s willingness to waive his no-trade clause remains a significant question. Financial considerations also loom large, as the Cardinals have required cash to sweeten deals in recent trades. St. Louis sent $20 million to Boston in the Sonny Gray trade and an additional $8 million in the Willson Contreras trade, both also with the Red Sox.
Cardinals’ Trade Strategy and Arenado’s Contract
Arenado currently has $42 million remaining on his contract. The eight-year, $260 million extension he originally signed with the Rockies extends through the 2026 season, but the Cardinals added a year for $15 million after acquiring him. By absorbing financial obligations in the Gray and Contreras deals, St. Louis secured MLB-ready starting pitchers Richard Fitts and Hunter Dobbins.
The Angels’ farm system isn’t brimming with pitching prospects, but players like Mitch Farris, Jack Kochanowicz, and Caden Dana could potentially fit the mold of young arms with limited MLB experience who could contribute to a 2026 rotation.
It’s easy to overlook just how dominant Arenado was in his first two seasons with St. Louis. He launched 34 home runs in his debut year and followed it up with a stellar 2022 campaign that placed him in the National League MVP conversation. That year, Arenado slashed .293/.358/.533 and led the NL with 7.9 WAR (per Baseball Reference). While teammate Paul Goldschmidt ultimately won the MVP award, Arenado earned his fifth Silver Slugger and 10th consecutive Gold Glove.
Recent Decline and Angels’ Third Base Situation
However, Arenado’s performance has declined over the past three seasons. He had a respectable 2023, hitting 26 home runs with a 107 wRC+, but his power diminished the following year, resulting in a .123 ISO and his first sub-.400 SLG campaign. In 2025, Arenado bottomed out, slashing .237/.289/.377 with just 12 home runs and missing time due to a shoulder injury. His 84 wRC+ was his lowest since his rookie year in 2013 (excluding the shortened 2020 season).
Despite the offensive struggles, Arenado remains a capable fielder and a solid contact hitter. If the price is right, he could provide a boost to an Angels team with an unsettled situation at third base. Last season, the Angels primarily utilized Yoan Moncada and Luis Rengifo at the hot corner, both of whom are now free agents. Current in-house options include Christian Moore, Oswald Peraza, and Vaughn Grissom, with Kyren Paris also potentially factoring into the second base mix. The Angels have consistently ranked in the bottom 10 in OPS at third base for the past five seasons.
