St. Louis, May 20, 2025 – In a surprising development, the St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly considering a bold move involving star third baseman Nolan Arenado as the team struggles to keep pace in the National League Central. After a difficult offseason in which the Cardinals failed to find a suitable trade partner for Arenado, and with the July 31 trade deadline approaching, insiders suggest the franchise may now be ready to part ways with the eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner.

Arenado, who has been a cornerstone of the Cardinals since his arrival, has experienced a noticeable decline in offensive production over the past few seasons. His home run totals have dropped from 30 in 2022 to just 4 so far this year, and his batting order position was recently adjusted at his own request, moving him from cleanup to sixth in an effort to better balance the lineup. Despite these struggles, Arenado remains a respected veteran presence in the clubhouse and has expressed excitement about continuing with the Cardinals through at least the trade deadline.

The Cardinals currently sit five games behind the division-leading Chicago Cubs, and with playoff hopes fading, the team faces pressure to make significant roster changes. One proposed trade scenario involves sending Arenado to the Detroit Tigers, who have the best record in the American League but a clear need at third base. The Tigers could offer pitching prospects in exchange, making the deal mutually beneficial.

While Arenado previously rejected a trade to the Houston Astros and has a no-trade clause limiting his destinations, the Cardinals’ urgency to reduce payroll and transition to younger players like Nolan Gorman at third base has intensified trade talks. The organization is navigating a challenging phase, with longtime executive John Mozeliak announcing this will be his final year, signaling a potential rebuild or retooling effort.

For now, Arenado continues to contribute on the field and remains focused on helping the Cardinals succeed in 2025, even as speculation swirls about his future. Whether the Cardinals will execute a surprise trade before the deadline remains to be seen, but the possibility marks a significant turning point for one of baseball’s premier third basemen and the franchise he has long represented.