These veterans previously wanted to stay, but their tones have changed since then.
The St. Louis Cardinals probably won’t make any big moves this offseason, but reports suggest they’ll be exploring trade options.
With the World Series wrapping up, Chaim Bloom will be able to dive into the Cardinals’ rebuilding efforts. That likely means dealing some expensive veteran players to teams in playoff contention.
According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, there are two in particular that stand out who were hesitant to accept trades last offseason but have changed their tone this year.
Veterans Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado Open To Trades
“All parties are open to this in a way they were not a year ago. I think the comments from the players [Sonny Gray and Nolan Arenado] suggest that they will be open to trades, and the Cardinals are motivated to find them,” Goold commented in his weekly Cardinals chat.
“It is difficult, not impossible, but increasingly difficult to see how they’re both on the Cardinals’ roster in spring training.”
Gray, 35, signed a three-year, $75 million deal before the 2024 season and now has one year left on that contract after posting a 14-8 record with a 4.28 ERA over 32 starts in 2025.
Arenado, meanwhile, had the worst offensive season of his career, slashing just .237/.289/.377 with 12 home runs, 52 RBIs, and a disappointing .666 OPS. The Cardinals attempted to trade the eight-time All-Star last offseason but couldn’t find a deal.
This offseason, St. Louis is expected to be more aggressive in shopping both Gray and Arenado, especially since both have indicated a willingness to waive their no-trade clauses for the right situation.
Both players joined the Cardinals expecting to compete for championships, but the team has failed to meet those expectations, missing the playoffs for a third straight year after finishing 78-84 in 2025.
A lot of change will be taking place this winter with Bloom at the helm for the first time, and it’s safe to say that the Cardinals will likely not be a postseason contender in 2026.
It will be interesting to see where these players end up, but keep an eye on trade rumors throughout the offseason and look for the Cardinals to be much more aggressive in trying to offload some of their high-priced veterans.
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