After an offseason filled with trade rumors, the Philadelphia Phillies ultimately chose to stick with Alec Bohm as their starting third baseman. However, if that decision doesn’t work out, they now have an intriguing backup plan. St. Louis Cardinals’ third baseman Nolan Arenado has expressed openness to a trade, initially listing the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees as potential destinations. According to Jon Heyman, Arenado has since expanded that list to include the Phillies and their division rival, the New York Mets.

Arenado holds a full no-trade clause in his contract, which has three years remaining at a total of $74 million. He’s coming off his worst season in a decade, hitting just 16 home runs with 71 RBIs—the lowest totals in a full season since 2014—diminishing his trade value. However, if he rebounds to his usual form early in the season, the Cardinals could secure a better return. With Arenado turning 34 next month and St. Louis shifting focus toward younger prospects after letting Paul Goldschmidt walk, he knows his window to win a World Series is narrowing.

The Phillies already boast one of the deepest lineups in baseball, and with Dave Dombrowski leading the front office, they’re always looking for ways to improve. Under the right circumstances, Arenado could be a strong addition. If he remains at third base—where he has played exclusively throughout his MLB career—some Phillies players are willing to adjust. Bohm, who played 80 games at first base in 2023 and a few more last season, has shown improved defensive metrics at the position. Meanwhile, Bryce Harper, who has excelled at first base, has made it clear he’s open to returning to the outfield if it benefits the team.