Arenado Open to Trade as Cardinals Rebuild

Nolan Arenado said it "looks like it's best to move on" and will expand the list of teams he would waive his no‑trade clause for as the St. Louis Cardinals, now mathematically eliminated, prepare a rebuild under GM Chaim Bloom and are expected to shop Arenado and other veterans. Reported realistic landing spots include the Dodgers, Mariners, Phillies and Blue Jays; Arenado previously limited his list to the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox, Padres and Astros and was once part of a vetoed Astros swap. Financials complicate any deal, with outlets noting roughly $31–$40 million remains on Arenado’s contract that the Cardinals would likely need to eat some of to facilitate a trade. Arenado’s diminished 2025 performance, including a six‑week absence with a right shoulder strain, and the team’s need to clear payroll and create opportunities for young players increase the likelihood of a move. The club is also being linked to possible trades of other veterans such as Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras as it accelerates its roster reset.