Nolan Arenado's Potential Trade to the Los Angeles Angels: Current Landscape

The St. Louis Cardinals are actively exploring trade options for third baseman Nolan Arenado, with the Los Angeles Angels emerging as a potential suitor. Recent developments indicate a clearer path for Arenado to join the Angels, particularly following the restructuring of Anthony Rendon's contract, which will defer his remaining $38 million over the next three to five years. This move suggests that the Angels may be preparing for roster changes, potentially paving the way for Arenado's acquisition.

St. Louis Cardinals Nolan Arenado Now Has Clear Path to the Angels

Arenado, who has two years remaining on his contract, has been a subject of trade discussions for over a year. His performance has declined recently, which complicates his marketability. The Cardinals are reportedly prioritizing a trade for Arenado, but his no-trade clause and the presence of other third-base options, such as Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suárez, have hindered progress. The Angels have shown interest, but it remains uncertain whether Arenado would waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a move to Southern California.

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A hypothetical trade scenario has been proposed where the Cardinals would send Arenado to the Angels in exchange for pitching prospects Johnny Slawinski and Randy De Jesus, along with a financial component of $10 million. This arrangement would allow the Cardinals to offload Arenado's salary while acquiring young talent to bolster their pitching staff. The Angels, who have a wealth of pitching prospects, could benefit from adding a star player like Arenado, who they pursued last offseason.

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Chaim Bloom, the Cardinals' general manager, has emphasized that trading Arenado would be beneficial for both the team and the player, although he has ruled out the option of releasing him. The Cardinals are keen on defining Arenado's market further, which is contingent on the outcomes of other third-base negotiations around the league.

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Despite the interest from the Angels, some analysts express skepticism regarding Arenado's fit with a team that may not be a strong contender. Critics argue that Arenado's willingness to join a rebuilding team could be limited, especially given his aspirations for postseason success. Additionally, the Cardinals' attempts to trade Arenado have faced challenges, with many teams viewing him as a backup option compared to other available players.

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As the offseason progresses, the Cardinals are expected to continue their efforts to trade Arenado, with the Angels and possibly the Arizona Diamondbacks remaining in the mix. The situation is fluid, and further developments are anticipated as teams finalize their strategies leading into the new season.

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• “Trading the eight-time All-Star remains the club’s top priority.” — Katie Woo, The Athletic

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• “As The Athletic reported last week, the Los Angeles Angels have interest in Arenado, but it remains to be seen if the Southern California native would waive his no-trade clause to join them. The Diamondbacks could be a team to watch if they miss out on Bregman, but no formal discussions between Arizona and St. Louis have taken place. (Chaim Bloom) has reiterated multiple times that moving Arenado would be best for both the team and the player. Bloom has also repeated that releasing Arenado is 'not an option.' The big question isn’t if the Cardinals trade Arenado; it’s how.” — Chaim Bloom, General Manager, St. Louis Cardinals

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• “Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images "As The Athletic reported last week, the Los Angeles Angels have interest in Arenado, but it remains to be seen if the Southern California native would waive his no-trade clause to join them.” — Patrick McAvoy, Sports Illustrated

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