Report: Nolan Arenado Gave Cardinals List Of 5 Teams He'd Waive No Trade Clause For
According to The Athletic’s Katie Woo, Arenado provided St. Louis with a list of five teams he would waive his no-trade clause for: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and Houston Astros.
While other teams, including the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, and Los Angeles Angels, expressed interest, those conversations never gained traction because Arenado was only willing to consider true contenders. “I don’t see myself changing that list ever,” he said.
The Cardinals were eager to move him to clear payroll and create space for younger players, but a deal never materialized despite months of discussions.
.@katiejwoo of @CardTerritory says that a Nolan Arenado trade could still happen 🐦 pic.twitter.com/8Umy9jScwC
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 20, 2025
The most serious trade talks involved the Houston Astros, who had just traded Kyle Tucker and were looking to replace Alex Bregman at third base.
St. Louis and Houston reached an agreement, with the Astros prepared to cover most of Arenado’s remaining salary, but the deal collapsed when he hesitated. Woo reported that Arenado was uncertain about Houston’s direction after Tucker’s departure and wanted more time to assess his market.
By the time he made a decision, the Astros pivoted and signed Christian Walker instead. The Red Sox remained an option, but once they secured Bregman, all five teams on Arenado’s list were no longer viable trade partners.
Nolan Arenado signs for some Cardinals fans this morning at spring training after putting on a show in batting practice pic.twitter.com/RkKqvo6ZdV
— Corey Miller (@corey_miller5) February 21, 2025
With no realistic landing spots left, Arenado returned to the Cardinals for his fifth season despite months of speculation.
While he was open to playing first base or adjusting his role to facilitate a trade, a move never came together. “At the end of the day, I’m a ballplayer,” he said. “I’m a Cardinal until I’m told I’m not.”
Though a future trade isn’t impossible, Woo reported that it would take "major concessions from both sides" or a "drastic change" in Arenado’s list of acceptable destinations for a deal to happen.
Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
