The St. Louis Cardinals appear poised for a significant roster overhaul this offseason, and they’ve already begun making major moves. Their first step was dealing Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox early in the winter, and more changes seem likely.
Nolan Arenado stands out as the next potential trade piece. Although he’s tied to a huge contract and holds a no-trade clause—factors that could complicate any deal—the Cardinals are expected to consider every possible path as they reshape the roster.
Patrick McAvoy of St. Louis Cardinals OnSi recently projected that the team would send Arenado to the Los Angeles Angels in a trade this offseason.
“Now, reports have surfaced indicating that Los Angeles is in talks about buying out infielder Anthony Rendon’s deal. Los Angeles clearly had interest in Arenado in the past and now could use a third baseman,” McAvoy wrote. “It doesn’t hurt that Arenado is from the area as well. If the Cardinals and Arenado both want to get a trade done, this is a team that could give them a shot.”
The Angels have seemingly been one of the top fits for Arenado for the last year, but a deal hasn’t come to fruition.
At this point, the Cardinals might be willing to eat a large chunk of his remaining contract to get him moved off the roster. This would open the door for the Angels to add the veteran for a small prospect package. Considering the fact that Los Angeles is still trying to contend, this idea makes sense for both sides.
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