Arenado’s Future Uncertain as Cardinals Face Trade Hurdles
St. Louis Cardinals President of baseball Operations John Mozeliak stated in January that trading third baseman Nolan Arenado remained the team’s top priority. Though, recent developments suggest Arenado may remain with the Cardinals as the season approaches. MLB Network analyst Jon paul Morosi reported that several factors are complicating the Cardinals’ efforts to move Arenado.
One notable hurdle is Arenado’s hefty contract. As reported by The Athletic, the Cardinals are unwilling to absorb a large portion of the remaining three years and $74 million (with $10 million to be paid by the Rockies) on his deal. The availability of free agent third baseman Alex Bregman is also impacting the market for Arenado.
“How many teams in baseball, on January 29th, have the capacity and versatility in their payroll to add a player who, let’s be honest, is coming off a year offensively below his level?” Morosi explained. “Especially with Bregman still available as an option for several teams. the longer Bregman’s situation remains unresolved,the harder I see it to find a destination for Arenado.”
Adding to the complexity is Arenado’s no-trade clause.The Cardinals believed they had reached an agreement to send him to the Houston Astros in December, but Arenado exercised his clause to block the trade. It remains unclear if he would be willing to waive his veto rights for a team not on his preferred list of destinations.
Time.news Editor: Jon, thanks for joining us today. we’re following the latest developments surrounding Nolan Arenado and his potential trade from the St. Louis Cardinals. Reports indicate the deal is getting more complicated. Can you shed some light on the obstacles facing the Cardinals?[[2]Jon Paul Morosi:[[3]Certainly. It’s become clear there are a few significant hurdles impeding a trade for Arenado. First and foremost is his contract. With $74 million remaining over the next three years, plus the Rockies owing $10 million, finding a team willing to take on that financial commitment is challenging. The Cardinals are understandably reluctant to absorb a large portion of that salary.
time.news Editor: That makes sense.Are there other factors at play here?
Jon paul Morosi: Absolutely.The availability of free agent Alex Bregman has undoubtedly complicated the market for Arenado. ,[[[[[[
] ]Teams who might have considered Arenado are now weighing Bregman’s potential as a more attractive and affordable option. This could push Arenado’s price down further, leaving the Cardinals with fewer appealing offers.
Time.news Editor: Arenado’s no-trade clause adds another layer of complexity to this situation, doesn’t it?
Jon Paul Morosi:
Precisely. Arenado has shown he’s willing to exercise that clause to block moves he’s not cozy with. We saw this in December when he vetoed a potential trade to the Houston Astros,even after an agreement was seemingly in place.[[[[[[ ]]
It remains unclear which teams might be on his preferred list. This puts the Cardinals in a tough spot,as they need to find a suitor willing to meet Arenado’s demands,both financially and geographically.
Time.news editor: So,where does this leave the Cardinals and Arenado as we approach the season?
Jon Paul Morosi: Honestly,it’s uncertain. The Cardinals are holding out hope for a trade, but the reality is that Arenado might be back in St. Louis come Opening Day. It really comes down to whether a team is willing to take the chance on a player with his salary and history, even with the offensive dip he experienced last year.