According to USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the St. Louis Cardinals remain “aggressive” in their efforts to trade both Nolan Arenado other team mates as spring training approaches in roughly five weeks.
Nightengale reported Tuesday that the Cardinals are actively marketing Donovan, who plays both the infield and outfield, as well as third baseman Nolan Arenado. He also noted that the Washington Nationals are exploring trades involving pitcher MacKenzie Gore and shortstop CJ Abrams.
One move expected, one unexpected
The Cardinals’ push to move Arenado comes as little surprise. Most around the league don’t expect him to be on the roster by Opening Day, with the only uncertainty being whether he’s traded or potentially designated for assignment.
Given Arenado’s declining performance, advancing age, and roughly $40 million remaining on his contract over the next two seasons, his trade value is limited. St. Louis would almost certainly need to cover a large portion of his salary, and even then, it’s doubtful they would receive a high-end prospect in return.
Donovan’s availability, however, is more unexpected. At 28 years old, with an affordable projected arbitration salary of around $5 million and two remaining years of team control, he’s one of the more attractive hitters on the market. Because of that value, it’s surprising that the Cardinals are the ones pushing discussions rather than waiting for offers. The Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants are all known to have strong interest.
Cardinals’ broader outlook
By already dealing veterans such as Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray, the Cardinals have clearly entered the early stages of a multi-year rebuild. Even so, there are signs for fans to feel encouraged.
St. Louis boasts a Gold Glove shortstop in Masyn Winn and promising prospects like Liam Doyle and JJ Wetherholt moving through the system. New President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom also brings experience overseeing a rebuild, having previously led one in Boston. While his tenure with the Red Sox ended before the plan fully played out, Bloom’s strengths—particularly in drafting—offer reason for optimism.
Additional notes
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Arenado has been linked to the Los Angeles Angels, who now have an opening after moving on from Anthony Rendon. However, Arenado’s full no-trade clause complicates matters, and it’s unclear whether he would approve a move to Anaheim.
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Because Donovan remains under team control for two more seasons, the Cardinals aren’t under pressure to trade him. They could hold out for the right return, making it worth watching how that leverage aligns with their reported aggressiveness.
