ST. LOUIS — When offseason rumors swirled about trading All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado, fans braced for change. But as the July trade deadline approaches, one thing has become undeniable: Arenado isn’t going anywhere, and neither is the Cardinals’ front office planning to move him.
This offseason, team president John Mozeliak contemplated trading Arenado to accelerate the Cardinals’ youth movement—but hit a wall. Arenado holds a full no-trade clause, and he made it clear he wanted to stay in St. Louis.
“Familiarity and comfort for his family… is what kept him with the Cardinals,” wrote Miranda Remaklus on Redbird Rants.
Even ESPN analysts Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan, who ranked him 21st among trade candidates, acknowledged the major barrier:
“Potentially complicating any deal: a full no-trade clause.”
Simply put: without Arenado’s approval, a trade can’t happen.
Arenado, Inflated or Not, Still Adds Value
While his power numbers have dipped—.251/.313/.405 slash, 10 home runs in 73 games—it’s easy to dismiss him. But that’s misleading. Arenado remains one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball, with four Defensive Runs Saved and three Outs Above Average this season.
Just as importantly, his clubhouse leadership has become invaluable. He’s actively mentoring younger players, engaging with coaches, and bringing a positive attitude to Busch Stadium.
St. Louis enters the deadline with a solid 43–36 record, neck-and-neck in the NL Central. They’ve rallied behind Arenado’s leadership, team chemistry, and consistent presence.
Why disrupt this momentum just to flip a veteran asset? The clubhouse feels tight. The lineup is clicking. The front office has little incentive to shake the boat.
Should the Cardinals pivot, it won’t be Arenado. Instead, expect possible moves involving smaller pieces like relievers Erick Fedde, Steven Matz, or Ryan Helsley—trading from depth while keeping the core intact.
Nolan Arenado remains firmly entrenched in Cardinal red—for now and likely through 2025. His no-trade clause, clubhouse impact, and emotional investment in St. Louis make a deadline departure nearly impossible. The front office agrees: Arenado stays.