In a stunning development that sent shockwaves through the baseball world, St. Louis Cardinals All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado invoked his no-trade clause to block a potential blockbuster deal that would have sent him to the Houston Astros, league sources confirmed Wednesday.
The bombshell report, first brought to light by MLB.com, revealed that the Cardinals and Astros were deep in negotiations on a trade package centered around the perennial Gold Glove winner. However, Arenado flexed his contractual muscles and put the brakes on any imminent move out of St. Louis.
A Cornerstone Talent
Arenado, 33, has firmly established himself as one of MLB’s preeminent two-way talents over his illustrious 12-year career. An eight-time All-Star and ten-time Gold Glove recipient, the California native’s dazzling glove work and potent bat have made him a franchise cornerstone since arriving in St. Louis via trade from the Colorado Rockies prior to the 2021 season.
Last season, Arenado posted a .272 batting average with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs, further cementing his status as an elite performer on both sides of the ball. For his career, the right-handed slugger boasts a .285 average with 341 longballs.
Astros’ Aggressive Pursuit
Houston’s attempt to pry Arenado away from their National League foes comes on the heels of dealing away outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs in recent days. The defending AL West champions, who were bounced in the Wild Card round last season, were clearly seeking to bolster their lineup with another impact bat.
“Arenado would have been a massive get for Houston,” an MLB executive said on condition of anonymity. “Pairing him with Alvarez and Bregman in the heart of that order? Scary thought for the rest of the American League.”
– Anonymous MLB Executive
Arenado’s Ironclad No-Trade Rights
When Arenado initially waived his no-trade clause to facilitate his move from the Rockies to the Cardinals, the seven-year, $260 million extension he signed with Colorado in February 2019 remained intact. A key provision in that megadeal included a full no-trade clause, granting the seven-time Silver Slugger winner complete veto power over any potential deal.
It appears Arenado had little interest in leaving the Gateway City, where he’s become a beloved figure and vital cog in the Cardinals’ perennial contention. His swift rejection of the Astros’ overtures keeps him entrenched at the hot corner in St. Louis for the foreseeable future.
What’s Next for Cardinals, Astros?
With Arenado taking himself off the trade block, the Cardinals are poised to build around their superstar third baseman as they look to fend off the Milwaukee Brewers in a tightly-contested NL Central race. His presence in the middle of their lineup and airtight defense at the hot corner remain pivotal to their hopes of a deep October run.
As for the Astros, the pursuit of Arenado signaled an aggressive tack for general manager James Click and owner Jim Crane. How they pivot after failing to land their top target could define the trajectory of their offseason, especially with a pitching staff facing key departures.
One thing, however, remains certain: Nolan Arenado will be donning the Birds on the Bat when the Cardinals open the 2025 campaign at Busch Stadium. In an offseason rife with seismic moves, Arenado made the biggest splash by simply staying put.
