The St. Louis Cardinals are heading into a 2025-2026 offseason bound to be rife with changes. Whether it's the changing of the guard in the front office with John Mozeliak stepping down for Chaim Bloom, or the outgoing veterans, a lot will look different in 2026.
One of the main areas of contention for the Cardinals has to do with their veteran third baseman, Nolan Arenado. While the Cardinals' trade for Arenado worked great, after five years with the team, they're looking to move on.
In a piece from Katie Woo of The Athletic, Arenado revealed an updated stance on his trade rumors and how he's more willing now than ever to be open to trades to more teams this winter.
Nolan Arenado is changing his no-trade clause to allow for more trade destinations
"However, this time, he's aware he'll have to make some concessions." Woo writes. "Arenado will expand his list of teams he'd waive his no-trade clause for, he revealed Wednesday, and he'll be more open-minded to the trade process overall this winter."
This is a huge step for both Arenado and the Cardinals in finding a trade partner. Over the prior offseason, the Cardinals and the Houston Astros had a deal in place for Arenado, but he invoked the no-trade clause, despite Houston being one of the teams he initially was open to being traded to.
The same won't happen this offseason, as Arenado is not only expanding his trade destination list, but he's also going to be more accepting of a trade that's orchestrated.
More: Cardinals expected to shop around key pieces this offseason
St. Louis is clearly looking to enter a rebuild and shed some money. Arenado, who's in the final two years of a $275 million deal, will be a good way for Bloom to save some money this offseason.
Arenado, too, should be more open to a trade, as the veteran third baseman could use a change of scenery to spark his career. Also, with St. Louis looking to rebuild, Arenado is better suited on a contender than a team looking to get cheaper and younger.
There will likely be a few teams interested in seeing what Arenado could bring to their organization. But unlike last year, there will be more than just a couple of teams for which Arenado is willing to waive his no-trade clause.
There will be some teams he's intent on not going to, with the Colorado Rockies as an obvious destination to cross off the list. But, with the chance to land a 10-time Gold Glove on the table, the Cardinals are sure to fetch some intrigue in the 34-year-old future Hall of Famer this winter.
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