Cardinals, Nolan Arenado ready to 'find a different fit'

[rage-STL]

Jesse Rogers
Nov 12, 2025, 12:41 AM (UK)

LAS VEGAS -- A year ago, the St. Louis Cardinals nearly traded third baseman Nolan Arenado while pitcher Sonny Gray told the team he wanted to stay. This time around, both players could be on the move, beginning with Arenado, who has probably played his last game as a Cardinal.

"His time with the Cardinals has been really good," Chaim Bloom, the Cardinals' president of baseball operations, said from the GM meetings Tuesday. "We all feel it's best to find a different fit. We'll work on that, and we'll work on that with him."

Arenado, 34, battled injuries last season while hitting .237 with 12 home runs and a career-low .289 on-base percentage in 107 games. He has two years left on a nine-year, $275 million contract he originally signed with the Colorado Rockies before the 2019 season.

Arenado invoked his no-trade clause last offseason, turning down a deal to the Houston Astros, but Bloom indicated the time is right for Arenado to move on.

"We're on the same page with Nolan," Bloom said.

Arenado, whom Bloom called a "Hall of Fame player," is an eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, but he hasn't earned either of those honors the past two seasons. His options to be an everyday starting third baseman could be limited, as will be his suitors, league sources told ESPN.

Meanwhile, Gray also has a no-trade clause he was not willing to waive in past years. Bloom indicated Gray is more open to it this offseason.

"We've definitely been listening on him," Bloom said. "He's still one of the better pitchers in the league. With where we are and thinking long term ... we feel like there might be something there that makes sense. We'll continue to explore that."

Gray, 36, went 14-8 with a 4.28 ERA last year while making every start for the Cardinals. That durability is attractive to teams, league sources told ESPN. So is his contract. He has one year left on a three-year, $75 million deal that includes a team option for 2027. The number of suitors could be "in the double digits," according to another league source. Gray has pitched in the big leagues for 13 years, making the All-Star team as recently as 2023. He has a career 3.58 ERA in 330 starts.

St. Louis might move on from both players simply because it is in retooling mode and the two older veterans simply don't fit anymore.

"It's about building our core to where we can get this organization back to where it needs to be," Bloom said of the team's offseason strategy. "Taking the necessary steps -- not taking shortcuts -- to build this organization back to where we can compete for the division and World Series."

Cardinals, Nolan Arenado ready to 'find a different fit'

[45s]

Encouraging news…

[rockondlouie]

Thx for sharing!

[ramfandan]

Encouraging news…

It's news that all Cardinal fans have known since late September . It''s just that the national media is first running with this story now since the GM meetings.
Bloom told us when he took over how he had discussions with both Nolan and Sonny during that past month . Nado and Bloom agreed it was time for Nado to move on as it was no longer a fit for the rebuild .. In fact, on the final game at home , we all remember when the team took the field , Oli calling timeout, came out on the field , and replaced Arenado at 3rd . A sendoff for Arenado that was preplanned by the team and Nolan to give him a farewell salute.
So that was his final game and both Nolan and the team were acknowledging him for one final time.
Now the natiional media seems to be first picking up on this as some 'breaking news ' that Arenado WILL be traded for sure now . lol We could have told them that on Sept. 28th .
Even Gray told Bloom he would now be receptive moving to another team too.

PS Bloom also told us he talked to Contreras too. Some St. Louis media wrote that Contreras told Bloom he would not mind being with the young guys during a rebuild. The sense was while Bloom thanked Contreras for his positive attitude about that , he may still find it best for the team to move WIllyCon also and to keep an open mind as the plan is to move younger and trading Contreras would open 1st base for others.
Not a matter of Contreras not being productive any more but due to his age , Bloom seeking to go with younger guys on his roster.

[45s]

Encouraging news…

It's news that all Cardinal fans have known since late September . It''s just that the national media is first running with this story now since the GM meetings.
Bloom told us when he took over how he had discussions with both Nolan and Sonny during that past month . Nado and Bloom agreed it was time for Nado to move on as it was no longer a fit for the rebuild .. In fact, on the final game at home , we all remember when the team took the field , Oli calling timeout, came out on the field , and replaced Arenado at 3rd . A sendoff for Arenado that was preplanned by the team and Nolan to give him a farewell salute.
So that was his final game and both Nolan and the team were acknowledging him for one final time.
Now the natiional media seems to be first picking up on this as some 'breaking news ' that Arenado WILL be traded for sure now . lol We could have told them that on Sept. 28th .
Even Gray told Bloom he would now be receptive moving to another team too.

Bloom has some challenges…..as others have mentioned, finding clubs to take these guys….that they will accept a trade to

The lesson here….no more NTCs

[scoutyjones2]

Encouraging news…

It's news that all Cardinal fans have known since late September . It''s just that the national media is first running with this story now since the GM meetings.
Bloom told us when he took over how he had discussions with both Nolan and Sonny during that past month . Nado and Bloom agreed it was time for Nado to move on as it was no longer a fit for the rebuild .. In fact, on the final game at home , we all remember when the team took the field , Oli calling timeout, came out on the field , and replaced Arenado at 3rd . A sendoff for Arenado that was preplanned by the team and Nolan to give him a farewell salute.
So that was his final game and both Nolan and the team were acknowledging him for one final time.
Now the natiional media seems to be first picking up on this as some 'breaking news ' that Arenado WILL be traded for sure now . lol We could have told them that on Sept. 28th .
Even Gray told Bloom he would now be receptive moving to another team too.

PS Bloom also told us he talked to Contreras too. Some St. Louis media wrote that Contreras told Bloom he would not mind being with the young guys during a rebuild. The sense was while Bloom thanked Contreras for his positive attitude about that , he may still find it best for the team to move WIllyCon also and to keep an open mind as the plan is to move younger and trading Contreras would open 1st base for others.
Not a matter of Contreras not being productive any more but due to his age , Bloom seeking to go with younger guys on his roster.

Yes, nothing new to see here. But to move WillyCon without his permission...lol

I will be pessimistic of any trades and the returns they may get for Nado (free falling offensively and defensively) or Gray and his $35 million for a 4.3 ERA pitcher who got worse as the year went on

[Strummer Jones]

Encouraging news…

It's news that all Cardinal fans have known since late September . It''s just that the national media is first running with this story now since the GM meetings.
Bloom told us when he took over how he had discussions with both Nolan and Sonny during that past month . Nado and Bloom agreed it was time for Nado to move on as it was no longer a fit for the rebuild .. In fact, on the final game at home , we all remember when the team took the field , Oli calling timeout, came out on the field , and replaced Arenado at 3rd . A sendoff for Arenado that was preplanned by the team and Nolan to give him a farewell salute.
So that was his final game and both Nolan and the team were acknowledging him for one final time.
Now the natiional media seems to be first picking up on this as some 'breaking news ' that Arenado WILL be traded for sure now . lol We could have told them that on Sept. 28th .
Even Gray told Bloom he would now be receptive moving to another team too.

PS Bloom also told us he talked to Contreras too. Some St. Louis media wrote that Contreras told Bloom he would not mind being with the young guys during a rebuild. The sense was while Bloom thanked Contreras for his positive attitude about that , he may still find it best for the team to move WIllyCon also and to keep an open mind as the plan is to move younger and trading Contreras would open 1st base for others.
Not a matter of Contreras not being productive any more but due to his age , Bloom seeking to go with younger guys on his roster.

Yes, nothing new to see here. But to move WillyCon without his permission...lol

I will be pessimistic of any trades and the returns they may get for Nado (free falling offensively and defensively) or Gray and his $35 million for a 4.3 ERA pitcher who got worse as the year went on

I think we'll all be underwhelmed by the Arenado trade...there's no way that return won't feel underwhelming. But I think we'll view a Sonny Gray trade a more favorably. He's not all that overpaid, and I think that he has one year left on his deal will be attractive to a lot of teams, given the labor uncertainty in a year. If he sucks, you only paid him for one year to suck. If he's great, then you paid market value for one year for a guy who can anchor a rotation, which has got to be attractive for a pitcher his age. I think we'll add a little money to he deal, but I expect we'll get a pretty good return for him. He's old, yeah, but his peripheral numbers were still in the green.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Encouraging news…

It's news that all Cardinal fans have known since late September . It''s just that the national media is first running with this story now since the GM meetings.
Bloom told us when he took over how he had discussions with both Nolan and Sonny during that past month . Nado and Bloom agreed it was time for Nado to move on as it was no longer a fit for the rebuild .. In fact, on the final game at home , we all remember when the team took the field , Oli calling timeout, came out on the field , and replaced Arenado at 3rd . A sendoff for Arenado that was preplanned by the team and Nolan to give him a farewell salute.
So that was his final game and both Nolan and the team were acknowledging him for one final time.
Now the natiional media seems to be first picking up on this as some 'breaking news ' that Arenado WILL be traded for sure now . lol We could have told them that on Sept. 28th .
Even Gray told Bloom he would now be receptive moving to another team too.

PS Bloom also told us he talked to Contreras too. Some St. Louis media wrote that Contreras told Bloom he would not mind being with the young guys during a rebuild. The sense was while Bloom thanked Contreras for his positive attitude about that , he may still find it best for the team to move WIllyCon also and to keep an open mind as the plan is to move younger and trading Contreras would open 1st base for others.
Not a matter of Contreras not being productive any more but due to his age , Bloom seeking to go with younger guys on his roster.

Yes, nothing new to see here. But to move WillyCon without his permission...lol

I will be pessimistic of any trades and the returns they may get for Nado (free falling offensively and defensively) or Gray and his $35 million for a 4.3 ERA pitcher who got worse as the year went on

I think we'll all be underwhelmed by the Arenado trade...there's no way that return won't feel underwhelming. But I think we'll view a Sonny Gray trade a more favorably. He's not all that overpaid, and I think that he has one year left on his deal will be attractive to a lot of teams, given the labor uncertainty in a year. If he sucks, you only paid him for one year to suck. If he's great, then you paid market value for one year for a guy who can anchor a rotation, which has got to be attractive for a pitcher his age. I think we'll add a little money to he deal, but I expect we'll get a pretty good return for him. He's old, yeah, but his peripheral numbers were still in the green.

I didn't know that we had any expectations of a return on Arenado. I expect the Cardinals will absorb at least half of his salary and will get a player I probably havent' heard of in return. The only real room for disappointment there would be that he didn't get moved.

[Stlcardsblues]

Encouraging news…

It's news that all Cardinal fans have known since late September . It''s just that the national media is first running with this story now since the GM meetings.
Bloom told us when he took over how he had discussions with both Nolan and Sonny during that past month . Nado and Bloom agreed it was time for Nado to move on as it was no longer a fit for the rebuild .. In fact, on the final game at home , we all remember when the team took the field , Oli calling timeout, came out on the field , and replaced Arenado at 3rd . A sendoff for Arenado that was preplanned by the team and Nolan to give him a farewell salute.
So that was his final game and both Nolan and the team were acknowledging him for one final time.
Now the natiional media seems to be first picking up on this as some 'breaking news ' that Arenado WILL be traded for sure now . lol We could have told them that on Sept. 28th .
Even Gray told Bloom he would now be receptive moving to another team too.

PS Bloom also told us he talked to Contreras too. Some St. Louis media wrote that Contreras told Bloom he would not mind being with the young guys during a rebuild. The sense was while Bloom thanked Contreras for his positive attitude about that , he may still find it best for the team to move WIllyCon also and to keep an open mind as the plan is to move younger and trading Contreras would open 1st base for others.
Not a matter of Contreras not being productive any more but due to his age , Bloom seeking to go with younger guys on his roster.

Yes, nothing new to see here. But to move WillyCon without his permission...lol

I will be pessimistic of any trades and the returns they may get for Nado (free falling offensively and defensively) or Gray and his $35 million for a 4.3 ERA pitcher who got worse as the year went on

I think we'll all be underwhelmed by the Arenado trade...there's no way that return won't feel underwhelming. But I think we'll view a Sonny Gray trade a more favorably. He's not all that overpaid, and I think that he has one year left on his deal will be attractive to a lot of teams, given the labor uncertainty in a year. If he sucks, you only paid him for one year to suck. If he's great, then you paid market value for one year for a guy who can anchor a rotation, which has got to be attractive for a pitcher his age. I think we'll add a little money to he deal, but I expect we'll get a pretty good return for him. He's old, yeah, but his peripheral numbers were still in the green.

There will be next to no return for Arenado. It will be trade to move as much salary as another team will take.

Cards will end up eating a large portion and get little to nothing back. I think most fans know it’s a trade to open a spot for a prospect.

[ramfandan]

Encouraging news…

It's news that all Cardinal fans have known since late September . It''s just that the national media is first running with this story now since the GM meetings.
Bloom told us when he took over how he had discussions with both Nolan and Sonny during that past month . Nado and Bloom agreed it was time for Nado to move on as it was no longer a fit for the rebuild .. In fact, on the final game at home , we all remember when the team took the field , Oli calling timeout, came out on the field , and replaced Arenado at 3rd . A sendoff for Arenado that was preplanned by the team and Nolan to give him a farewell salute.
So that was his final game and both Nolan and the team were acknowledging him for one final time.
Now the natiional media seems to be first picking up on this as some 'breaking news ' that Arenado WILL be traded for sure now . lol We could have told them that on Sept. 28th .
Even Gray told Bloom he would now be receptive moving to another team too.

PS Bloom also told us he talked to Contreras too. Some St. Louis media wrote that Contreras told Bloom he would not mind being with the young guys during a rebuild. The sense was while Bloom thanked Contreras for his positive attitude about that , he may still find it best for the team to move WIllyCon also and to keep an open mind as the plan is to move younger and trading Contreras would open 1st base for others.
Not a matter of Contreras not being productive any more but due to his age , Bloom seeking to go with younger guys on his roster.

Yes, nothing new to see here. But to move WillyCon without his permission...lol

I will be pessimistic of any trades and the returns they may get for Nado (free falling offensively and defensively) or Gray and his $35 million for a 4.3 ERA pitcher who got worse as the year went on

I think we'll all be underwhelmed by the Arenado trade...there's no way that return won't feel underwhelming. But I think we'll view a Sonny Gray trade a more favorably. He's not all that overpaid, and I think that he has one year left on his deal will be attractive to a lot of teams, given the labor uncertainty in a year. If he sucks, you only paid him for one year to suck. If he's great, then you paid market value for one year for a guy who can anchor a rotation, which has got to be attractive for a pitcher his age. I think we'll add a little money to he deal, but I expect we'll get a pretty good return for him. He's old, yeah, but his peripheral numbers were still in the green.

I truly don't understand why some say 'we will all be underwhelmed by the Nado trade '. The prevailing opinion on CT and even media outlets is that there is very low expectation on a return for Arneado . So with very low expectations ahead of a trade, how can one be underwhelmed .
Don't quite follow that logic. Maybe I have missed some posts on prospective Areando trade ideas but who has expressed a good return on Arenado . I have yet to see that .

[renostl]

Encouraging news…

It's news that all Cardinal fans have known since late September . It''s just that the national media is first running with this story now since the GM meetings.
Bloom told us when he took over how he had discussions with both Nolan and Sonny during that past month . Nado and Bloom agreed it was time for Nado to move on as it was no longer a fit for the rebuild .. In fact, on the final game at home , we all remember when the team took the field , Oli calling timeout, came out on the field , and replaced Arenado at 3rd . A sendoff for Arenado that was preplanned by the team and Nolan to give him a farewell salute.
So that was his final game and both Nolan and the team were acknowledging him for one final time.
Now the natiional media seems to be first picking up on this as some 'breaking news ' that Arenado WILL be traded for sure now . lol We could have told them that on Sept. 28th .
Even Gray told Bloom he would now be receptive moving to another team too.

PS Bloom also told us he talked to Contreras too. Some St. Louis media wrote that Contreras told Bloom he would not mind being with the young guys during a rebuild. The sense was while Bloom thanked Contreras for his positive attitude about that , he may still find it best for the team to move WIllyCon also and to keep an open mind as the plan is to move younger and trading Contreras would open 1st base for others.
Not a matter of Contreras not being productive any more but due to his age , Bloom seeking to go with younger guys on his roster.

Yes, nothing new to see here. But to move WillyCon without his permission...lol

I will be pessimistic of any trades and the returns they may get for Nado (free falling offensively and defensively) or Gray and his $35 million for a 4.3 ERA pitcher who got worse as the year went on

I think we'll all be underwhelmed by the Arenado trade...there's no way that return won't feel underwhelming. But I think we'll view a Sonny Gray trade a more favorably. He's not all that overpaid, and I think that he has one year left on his deal will be attractive to a lot of teams, given the labor uncertainty in a year. If he sucks, you only paid him for one year to suck. If he's great, then you paid market value for one year for a guy who can anchor a rotation, which has got to be attractive for a pitcher his age. I think we'll add a little money to he deal, but I expect we'll get a pretty good return for him. He's old, yeah, but his peripheral numbers were still in the green.

There will be next to no return for Arenado. It will be trade to move as much salary as another team will take.

Cards will end up eating a large portion and get little to nothing back. I think most fans know it’s a trade to open a spot for a prospect.

Along with NA wanting to be traded.

If they eat 50% they also save 50%

[woofy25]

You’re all going to have to go through the whole “Bregman domino has to fall first” all over again.

[scoutyjones2]

Jesse Rogers
Nov 12, 2025, 12:41 AM (UK)

LAS VEGAS -- A year ago, the St. Louis Cardinals nearly traded third baseman Nolan Arenado while pitcher Sonny Gray told the team he wanted to stay. This time around, both players could be on the move, beginning with Arenado, who has probably played his last game as a Cardinal.

"His time with the Cardinals has been really good," Chaim Bloom, the Cardinals' president of baseball operations, said from the GM meetings Tuesday. "We all feel it's best to find a different fit. We'll work on that, and we'll work on that with him."

Arenado, 34, battled injuries last season while hitting .237 with 12 home runs and a career-low .289 on-base percentage in 107 games. He has two years left on a nine-year, $275 million contract he originally signed with the Colorado Rockies before the 2019 season.

Arenado invoked his no-trade clause last offseason, turning down a deal to the Houston Astros, but Bloom indicated the time is right for Arenado to move on.

"We're on the same page with Nolan," Bloom said.

Arenado, whom Bloom called a "Hall of Fame player," is an eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, but he hasn't earned either of those honors the past two seasons. His options to be an everyday starting third baseman could be limited, as will be his suitors, league sources told ESPN.

Meanwhile, Gray also has a no-trade clause he was not willing to waive in past years. Bloom indicated Gray is more open to it this offseason.

"We've definitely been listening on him," Bloom said. "He's still one of the better pitchers in the league. With where we are and thinking long term ... we feel like there might be something there that makes sense. We'll continue to explore that."

Gray, 36, went 14-8 with a 4.28 ERA last year while making every start for the Cardinals. That durability is attractive to teams, league sources told ESPN. So is his contract. He has one year left on a three-year, $75 million deal that includes a team option for 2027. The number of suitors could be "in the double digits," according to another league source. Gray has pitched in the big leagues for 13 years, making the All-Star team as recently as 2023. He has a career 3.58 ERA in 330 starts.

St. Louis might move on from both players simply because it is in retooling mode and the two older veterans simply don't fit anymore.

"It's about building our core to where we can get this organization back to where it needs to be," Bloom said of the team's offseason strategy. "Taking the necessary steps -- not taking shortcuts -- to build this organization back to where we can compete for the division and World Series."

Cardinals, Nolan Arenado ready to 'find a different fit'

That ship sailed last year when he turned down the Astros, hit like [shirt], oft injured, and meh defense, and now a year older.

[ilcubuffs]

Was hoping the Dodgers would not keep Muncy and fit NA with ??? to access Pages or some of their minor league pitching talent. Dodgers keeping Muncy so looks like that never happen.

Phillies or Seattle may be an option. If Seattle does not resign Suarez not sure what they're plan would be internally - so maybe NA. Maybe Knipp or Cleveland. Of course have to sweeten the pot to get quality in return.

Bohm evidently is not well liked by Phils nor Phils fans. So NA may be an option. Will not get Painter or Crawford. Maybe Abel. Of course have to sweeten the pot to get quality in return.