According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, several MLB sources believe it’s more likely that the Cardinals will trade the top all star rather than keep him for the 2025 season.
Arenado, who has a no-trade clause and three years left on his contract, would only waive the clause to join a contending team, according to a Cardinals team source.
An eight-time All-Star, Arenado is looking to improve on his 2024 performance, where he hit .272 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs. That marked his lowest home run total in a full season since 2014 with the Rockies.
However, Arenado is confident he can boost his numbers in 2025 as he recovers from a back injury that limited his 2023 season. In September, he told MLB.com’s John Denton that he played over 150 games in 2024 without the back problems he had the previous year and believes his body will hold up. His offseason goal is to focus on regaining explosiveness through gym work.
Woo also reports that Arenado is open to switching to first base or playing less third base to make himself more attractive to potential trade suitors. His defensive abilities, including returning to the Gold Glove finalist list in 2024 after missing out in 2023, could also increase his trade value.
A trade could help the Cardinals achieve their goal of clearing payroll to make room for younger talent, although St. Louis may need to absorb some of Arenado’s remaining salary. Despite the Colorado Rockies still covering part of his salary from the 2021 trade, Arenado has $74 million remaining on his current contract.
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