Cardinals predicted to trade $260M 8-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner linked to Mets

Hunter Cookston

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Cardinals predicted to trade $260M 8-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner linked to Mets image

The St. Louis Cardinals are coming off a disappointing season, finishing six games under .500. It was far from what they had hoped for — and now, some changes could be on the horizon this offseason. While the team is in a strange transitional phase, one major concern is finding a way to bring fans back to Busch Stadium.

“The Cardinals saw attendance drop by over 628,000 fans this season. It's the largest decrease in MLB—even worse than the A's and Rays had after moving into minor league stadiums,” Front Office Sports wrote.

One possible move? Parting ways with a longtime veteran at third base. Nolan Arenado, now 34, is nearing the end of his career — and there’s growing belief that the Cardinals could trade him this winter.

“The St. Louis Cardinals have spent the better part of the last year trying to unload Nolan Arenado, and they will likely renew those efforts this winter with a focus on getting younger across the roster. The future Hall of Famer is a shell of the player he was in his prime, but he is still a strong defender at third base, and he has adjusted to a more contact-oriented approach as his power has diminished,” Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter wrote.

A team to watch closely is the New York Mets, who have already been linked to the veteran third baseman.

“Whereas Arenado was picky with who he was willing to waive his no-trade clause for last winter, he's a bit more open this time around. That, in turn, could be an opening for the Mets, who should also be attracted to his burning desire to win,” Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer wrote. “Sean Manaea: $50 million through 2027. Nolan Arenado: $42 million through 2027 ($5 million paid by Colorado Rockies)”

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While Arenado may no longer be in his prime, his glove remains elite — and his leadership and postseason hunger could be valuable to a contender. For the Cardinals, trading him to a team like the Mets could bring in much-needed young talent and help kickstart a retool.

Arenado still wants to win — and that likely won’t happen in St. Louis anytime soon.

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Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.