This was as sudden as it may be, as Nolan Arenado has exercised his no-trade clause to dam a possible transfer to the Houston Astros. The Saint Louis Cardinals and Astros had been deep in discussions, aiming to finalize a deal that might ship the eight-time All-Star to Houston.
Nevertheless, Arenado’s choice to remain put has thrown a major wrench into these plans. The commerce discussions had been centered round sending Arenado to the Astros with the Cardinals keen to contribute $15-20 million to cowl a part of his wage.
Juan Soto’s brief and blunt response raises eyebrows
This monetary association would have left the Astros with a dedication of $40-45 million over the following three years. Regardless of these efforts, Arenado knowledgeable the Cardinals that he wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause for a transfer to Houston.
Cash might have been a problem
Nolan Arenado’s choice comes as he enters his age-34 season, with three years and $74 million remaining on his contract. This contract features a $10 million contribution from the Colorado Rockies, a part of the deal that introduced Arenado to St. Louis in 2021.
The Cardinals, aiming to reset their roster for the 2025 season, noticed buying and selling Arenado as a strategic transfer to assist obtain that purpose. In response to the blocked commerce, Cardinals president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, acknowledged that the group stays in lively discussions with a number of groups and is optimistic about discovering an appropriate deal.
Mozeliak emphasised that whereas the commerce with the Astros fell via, there are nonetheless different choices on the desk. Arenado’s agent, Joel Wolfe, added that Arenado is open to waiving his no-trade clause if the proper scenario arises. Nevertheless, it seems that Houston doesn’t match Arenado’s standards for a transfer right now.
