A blockbuster trade proposal has the St. Louis Cardinals sending All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado to a surprise AL team in a move that would shake up the race for the World Series in 2025.
It was recently reported that the Cardinals are fielding offers for Nolan Arenado, who still carries three years and $74 million on his deal. The Redbirds are coming off a second straight non-playoff season, finishing with a disappointing 83-79 record.
Naturally, big-market teams like the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers have been mentioned as possible landing spots for Arenado. But ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel proposed a juicy team as a trade destination for the eight-time All-Star.
McDaniel proposed a blockbuster trade that has St. Louis sending Arenado to the Toronto Blue Jays for a return involving prospects:
“If the Cardinals pay down Arenado’s deal to three years, $60 million (a $14 million discount), that would be roughly market rate for the veteran third baseman. Like in the above Bohm scenario, that means the Jays can move Ernie Clement into a platoon/utility position.
The prospect return would be minimal given that Arenado’s contract would then match his ability, but the issue is Toronto would be close to last year’s payroll and might not have room for much in the way of further upgrades. St. Louis could opt to pay the deal down another $10-15 million over three years and get a real prospect in return.”
Latest on the trade market for Nolan Arenado?@jonmorosi mentions a few teams with reported interest in trading for the 8x All-Star. pic.twitter.com/tprFjn3FJp
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 3, 2024
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The former Colorado Rockies star hit .272 with 16 homers and 71 RBI last season. The BA and OPS (.719) were well below his career averages of .285 and .857, respectively, but Nolan Arenado is still one of the best all-around third basemen in the game.
Toronto is said to be one of the five finalists for superstar free agent Juan Soto, along with the Red Sox, Dodgers, New York Yankees and New York Mets. If they don’t win the Soto bidding, Arenado would be a quality backup plan for the Jays.
Blue Jays Should Target Nolan Arenado, Regardless Of Juan Soto’s Decision
Even if the Blue Jays win the Soto sweepstakes, it shouldn’t stop them from pursuing Arenado. This was one of the worst offenses in baseball last season, and it’ll take more than one All-Star hitter to help the Jays take that next step.
As a dangerous contact hitter with a relatively low strikeout rate and elite defense, Nolan Arenado would be the ideal fit on a Jays team looking to rebound from a miserable 74-88 season. And given the remaining dollars on his deal, GM Ross Atkins wouldn’t have to give up too much for a game-changer like Arenado.
