4 St. Louis Cardinals who aren’t on the trade block, but should be

Nolan Arenado should be on the Cardinals trade block

The Cardinals are not likely to consider Nolan Arenado for trade. But he’s on the record saying he knows baseball is a business, and considering just how bad things have gone this season for the Cardinals, anything is possible.

Arenado was already traded once from the Rockies to the Cardinals. It was shocking that the Cardinals didn’t have to give up much and even got $50 million to complete the deal. He’s a fan favorite and wants to be in St. Louis. He has high expectations and knows things must change.

What if the Cardinals did decide to shock everyone once more and trade Arenado?

It would suggest to fans that they are going full force into rebuild mode, which the team likely doesn’t want to present. An Arenado move could also mean the Cardinals are done for 2023 and want to concentrate on the future, and are ok with moving on with one of the most popular players to wear the Birds on the Bat.

While the Rockies got Aaron Gomber and some minor leaguers for Arenado, the Cardinals would likely try to get the most they can, which would be substantial. After a slow start, Arenado slashes .283/.332/.518 with an OPS of .850. He has 17 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 43 runs scored, and 63 RBI.

While no one wants Arenado to be traded from the Cardinals, it’s hard to deny that he would net a significant return. They could get several pieces to the puzzle that could turn things around for the better for the Cardinals in the future.

The Cardinals trading away Arenado would be quite the business decision but will Mozeliak even consider it? This is another move Mozeliak couldn’t afford to mess up.