Trade rumors are circling around St. Louis Cardinals third baseman, Nolan Arenado.

The Cardinals are making noises about reducing payroll, and trying to upgrade their player evaluation and analysis functions.

It must be remembered that Arenado has a full no-trade clause in his contract.

Trading Arenado may be a way to reduce payroll, and open a roster spot for a younger prospect.

Arenado, 33, is in the midst of a 9-year, $375 million contract he signed in 2016, while he was still playing for the Colorado Rockies.

The remaining three years of Arenado’s contract are scheduled to pay him $32 million in 2025, $27 million in 2026, and $15 million in 2027.

Unless he signs an extension, Arenado can become a free agent following the 2027 World Series.

If they can find a trade partner, the Cardinals may be inclined to trade Arenado.

If he is to be traded, Arenado will have to approve the team and conditions of the trade.

That’s a big if.

However, Arenado may want to finish his current contract with a team that is closer to contention than the St. Louis Cardinals.

The right-handed hitting Arenado saw a downturn in his power production this past season.

Arenado went from 26 home runs, and 93 RBIs in 612 plate appearances in 2023, to 16 homers, and 71 RBIs in 635 plate appearances in 2024.

Award Winner:

Arenado has been an All Star eight times, including five consecutive years from 2015-2019. There was no All Star Game in the pandemic shortened 2020 season.

Arenado returned to his All Star status for three more consecutive years, from 2021-2023.

Arenado did not make the All Star team this past season.

Arenado can still help a team in need of a fine defensive third baseman, with some pop remaining in his bat.

Arenado has won ten National League, third base Gold Gloves; winning each year from 2013-2022.

Arenado has won six National League Platinum Gloves, awarded to the best overall fielder in the league.

Arenado has won six Silver Slugger Awards, with all but his 2023 Award being with the Colorado Rockies.

Potential Landing Spots For Arenado:

The old scout can think of several teams that would benefit from the presence of Nolan Arenado.

Arenado has indicated a willingness to play first base, if that should be required.

It would seem each of the teams below have the financial means to cover the remaining $74 million on Arenado’s contract.

The sportrac.com MLB Team Tax Tracker lists the current tax payroll of the St. Louis Cardinals at $126,955,554.

One must remember that Paul Goldschmidt, Kyle Gibson, and Lance Lynn, among others, are free agents. Their contracts are off the books.

To ease their player payroll, the Cardinals may be willing to pay some of the money remaining on Arenado’s contract.

This old scout is concentrating on the potential of Arenado being traded exclusively as a third baseman. Of course, other options open if a team wants him to play first base-even on an occasional basis.

Houston Astros:

Given the fact Alex Bregman has become a free agent, the Astros may want to insert Arenado in the middle of their lineup. They would be assured of having Arenado under control for three more years.

Toronto Blue Jays:

Unless things change, the Toronto Blue Jays are planning to use veteran Ernie Clement at third. Clement is an interesting player. For this observer, he is best used in a utility role, not as a starting third baseman.

New York Mets:

The New York Mets are also potentially eyeing a platoon at third base. It would seem Arenado would find a welcome home with a team looking to add some pop. Just like the New York Mets.

Philadelphia Phillies:

Might the Philadelphia Phillies have their eyes on Arenado? That trade could happen if the Phillies can trade infielder Alex Bohm.

Arenado would make a nice fit in the middle of the Phillies lineup.

Now the Cardinals have to determine if they want to retain Nolan Arenado, or try to trade him this winter?