As the 2025 MLB season winds down, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado has openly acknowledged that his time with the team may be coming to an end. In recent interviews, the eight-time All-Star expressed his belief that the organization is poised to trade him during the upcoming offseason. This development comes amid ongoing trade rumors that have swirled around Arenado for over a year.
Arenado, who just returned from a shoulder injury, addressed the “elephant in the room” regarding his future during a pre-game discussion in Springfield while on a rehab assignment. “I think it seems like that’s where this organization is headed,” Arenado said, referring to the Cardinals’ apparent pivot toward developing younger players. He added, “I think this organization’s heading toward young players, letting them go, and that just comes with the territory, and I see it.”
The 34-year-old infielder has considered the possibility that his current homestand could be his last in a Cardinals uniform. Arenado anticipates a repeat of last winter’s trade discussions, where the team actively shopped him but ultimately failed to complete a deal. Despite the uncertainty, Arenado emphasized his focus on returning healthy and proving his value: “What’s best for me is probably to come back healthy and show that I’m healthy and hitting the ball hard and all those things.”
Arenado’s comments reflect a mix of resignation and determination. He has expressed a desire to win, noting that the Cardinals’ current trajectory may not align with his competitive goals. Before his injury, he was delivering Gold Glove-caliber defense, though his offensive output was hampered by the shoulder issue. Upon his activation, he contributed two hits and an RBI in his first game back, offering a glimpse of his potential bounce-back.
Trade speculation surrounding Arenado is not new. The Cardinals attempted to move him during the 2024-2025 offseason, with deals nearly materializing. Notably, Arenado vetoed a proposed trade to the Houston Astros in December 2024 using his full no-trade clause, which grants him complete control over any potential move. He was reportedly open to joining the Boston Red Sox, but the deal fell through after Boston signed Alex Bregman instead.
This clause remains a significant hurdle for any offseason transaction. Chaim Bloom will need Arenado’s approval to finalize any deal.
