“I’M WAITING FOR THE RIGHT CALL TO…”: Nolan Arenado’s No-Trade Decision Will Keep cardinals Dream Alive
Nolan Arenado, the star third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, has been at the center of trade discussions this offseason. Despite the Cardinals’ efforts to move him, a deal has yet to materialize. Most recently, St. Louis nearly struck a trade with the Houston Astros, but Arenado exercised his no-trade clause, effectively blocking the move. With the Cardinals eager to shed his contract and transition to a younger roster, Arenado’s future with the team remains uncertain. While there’s always the possibility that he stays, it would be surprising if he is still wearing a Cardinals uniform by the start of the 2025 season.
The question now is where Arenado might land if he is traded. According to MLB.com’s John Denton, who appeared on the “BK and Ferrario” show on 101ESPN, Arenado is being deliberate about his next move. Denton revealed that Arenado’s top preference is the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team he has long been linked to.
“He doesn’t want to make a panic decision at this time of year,” Denton explained. “He wants to wait and evaluate his best options. I think we all understand that Nolan Arenado wants to hear a definitive ‘No’ from the Dodgers before considering other possibilities. That’s his first choice—that’s where he still wants to go.”
Arenado’s interest in the Dodgers isn’t particularly surprising. As one of baseball’s most successful franchises, the Dodgers consistently contend for championships, making them an appealing destination for any player. Additionally, Arenado is a Southern California native, and a move to Los Angeles would bring him closer to home. For a player of his caliber, joining a team like the Dodgers presents an ideal opportunity to compete for a World Series title before the end of his career.
The Dodgers and Arenado have been connected in trade rumors in the past, further fueling speculation that Los Angeles remains a likely destination. Arenado’s desire to join the Dodgers also aligns with his ultimate goal: winning a championship. With their deep roster, financial resources, and strong track record, the Dodgers offer perhaps the best chance for Arenado to achieve that dream.
For the Cardinals, moving Arenado is about more than just clearing payroll. The organization is looking to revamp its roster and build toward a more sustainable future. Offloading Arenado’s contract would free up significant financial flexibility while also providing an opportunity to acquire young talent in return. However, Arenado’s no-trade clause complicates matters, as any deal would require his approval. This gives him considerable leverage in determining his next destination.
Despite these obstacles, the Cardinals appear motivated to make a deal happen. The team’s near-trade with the Astros demonstrates their willingness to negotiate, even if Arenado ultimately blocked that particular move. With the offseason still in progress, it’s likely that the Cardinals will continue exploring trade options in hopes of finding a mutually agreeable solution.
If Arenado does end up with the Dodgers, the move would have significant implications for both teams. The Dodgers would gain one of the league’s premier third basemen, adding even more firepower to an already stacked lineup. Arenado’s elite defensive skills and consistent offensive production would make him a valuable asset as Los Angeles continues its pursuit of championships. Meanwhile, the Cardinals would turn the page on an era and focus on building a younger, more cost-effective roster.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed. Trades involving star players are often complicated, and Arenado’s no-trade clause adds an extra layer of complexity. While the Dodgers are his preferred landing spot, it remains to be seen whether they have the interest or the resources to make such a deal. Other teams could also enter the mix, further shaping the market for Arenado’s services.
As the offseason unfolds, the spotlight will remain on Arenado and the Cardinals. Both parties have clear objectives—Arenado wants to compete for a championship, while the Cardinals aim to retool their roster—but aligning those goals will require careful negotiation. Whether a trade ultimately comes to fruition or not, Arenado’s situation is sure to be one of the most closely watched storylines in Major League Baseball.
For now, Arenado seems content to wait and evaluate his options. His methodical approach reflects the high stakes of the decision ahead. Moving to a team like the Dodgers would offer him a chance to cement his legacy as one of the game’s greats while pursuing the ultimate goal of a World Series title. For the Cardinals, finding a trade partner willing to meet their terms—and securing Arenado’s approval—will be critical as they look to reshape their future.
In summary, the future of Nolan Arenado remains in flux, but one thing is clear: the Los Angeles Dodgers are his preferred destination. Whether or not the Cardinals can finalize a deal with Arenado’s top choice remains to be seen, but the potential move could have far-reaching implications for both teams. As trade discussions continue, all eyes will be on Arenado and the Cardinals to see how this high-stakes saga unfolds.
