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The situation surrounding Nolan Arenado has been a major focus of the Cardinals’ offseason. The team is looking to reduce payroll and make room for younger players, with Nolan Gorman being a key player in this plan. Arenado has emerged as a top trade candidate due to his declining performance on the field since 2023 and his significant remaining contract of three years and $74 million, part of which is being covered by the Rockies. He recently turned down a trade to the Astros, who then signed Christian Walker to a similar contract instead.
Arenado’s agent, Joel Wolfe, stated at the Winter Meetings that Arenado is only willing to be traded to teams where he believes he can win in both the short-term and long-term. The Astros, despite their recent playoff appearances, did not fit this criteria. The Red Sox are now seen as the Cardinals’ best chance to make a trade for Arenado, although there are obstacles to overcome, such as moving Rafael Devers to accommodate Arenado at third base.
Recent reports suggest that the outlook for an Arenado trade is dimming. The Cardinals are hesitant to take on a significant portion of his contract as they aim to reduce spending. If a trade for Arenado does not materialize, the team may explore other options to trim payroll and acquire young talent.
There are other players on the Cardinals’ roster that could be attractive trade pieces, such as Erick Fedde, Ryan Helsley, and Steven Matz. Moving these players could help the team in the long run, even though it may not immediately reduce payroll. The team may also consider signing free agents like Kyle Gibson to replenish the roster.
While the chances of a trade for Arenado appear slim at the moment, there is still hope that circumstances could change. Spring injuries or trades elsewhere in the market could create opportunities for a trade to happen. However, if a trade does not materialize, it could have significant implications for the Cardinals’ roster moving forward.
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