Cardinals' Nolan Arenado: I Don't Envision Changing List of Teams I'd Accept Trade To

Having blocked at least one deal already, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado doesn't envision amending his no-trade clause.

"I’m not going to talk about who the teams were because it doesn’t really matter anymore, but so, yeah, there was about five teams, five or so," he told reporters of where he'd specifically be willing to play. "I got a family now and to be willing to pick up my family and move them, it has to be something that is worth it.

"So, that’s kind of why the list was fairly small, and I don’t see myself really changing that list ever."

The eight-time All-Star rebuffed the Houston Astros in December. One line of thinking at the time was that his approach might evolve as the offseason unfolded. Perhaps he was waiting to get a better idea of his trade market before he gave the green light to a deal.

The Astros, for their part, didn't stand idly by in the hope Arenado had a change of heart. They signed first baseman Christian Walker later in December, which locked Isaac Paredes in as their starter at the hot corner on Opening Day.

The Boston Red Sox likewise discussed a trade with the Cardinals in early February, per MLB Network's Jon Morosi. They wound up signing Alex Bregman instead, which can be read as a sign of how far a final deal with St. Louis was.

President of baseball operations John Mozeliak said Thursday that Arenado is "likely going to be a part of our club at this point," and the player's comments reinforce that point.

There are clearly places outside of St. Louis where the 33-year-old is willing to play. MLB.com's John Denton reported in December the list was six teams long: the Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets.

We can probably rule out Boston, and going to San Diego would be tough when Manny Machado is firmly entrenched as the Padres' starting third baseman. The other options don't look any more likely.

At this point in his career, it's worth asking whether Arenado is enough of an upgrade over Alec Bohm to justify the trade for Philly. Mark Vientos tore the cover off the ball in 2024 and earned a place in the Mets lineup. The Dodgers could've swung a trade at any point, and their decision not to is probably telling. At least with the Angels, acquiring Arenado would fit their offseason approach of assembling MLB's best offense in 2019.

Maybe something gives as the 2025 season unfolds.

The Cardinals could lower their asking price to such an extent where the Dodgers or another favored destination feel the opportunity is too good to turn down. Maybe their record is so bad after a few months that Arenado will go to any other winning team.

For now, expect to see the 10-time Gold Glove winner at third when St. Louis opens the regular season March 27 against the Minnesota Twins.