MLB Rumors: Nolan Arenado trade condition, Padres open for business, AL East trade tactics

MLB Rumors: Cardinals would consider Arenado trade on one condition

There are four St. Louis Cardinals’ untouchables this year: Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Jordan Walker, and Lars Nootbaar. Or that’s what the public has been led to believe.

In a recent report by NY Post’s Jon Heyman, there is one condition in which Arenado could get moved.

Don’t worry, Cards fans, it’s pretty specific: Arenado would have to request the trade himself.

"The belief is the Cardinals won’t trade Nolan Arenado unless he requests it (no sign of that yet), and Jack Flaherty is perhaps even more likely to be dealt than Montgomery since Montgomery is certain to get a qualifying offer."

Per Heyman, there’s “no sign” of a desire to move from Arenado’s end, and the Cardinals have in turn expressed their commitment to Arenado in the past few weeks. The star infielder is signed through 2027; this year, he’s slashed .286/.336/.520 and he earned his third consecutive All-Star nod in St. Louis.

For better or for worse, Arenado holds his own future in his hands. He can press the eject button and try to force a move to a proven World Series contender, yet there’s really no evidence that the 10-time Gold Glove winner wants out.