One of the most talked-about storylines of last year’s MLB offseason was the St. Louis Cardinals’ failed attempt to trade franchise cornerstone Nolan Arenado. The eight-time All-Star and longtime third baseman appeared destined for a move after the Cardinals explored multiple trade scenarios involving the 13-year veteran. Most notably, St. Louis negotiated a deal with the Houston Astros that would have sent Arenado and the remaining portion of his massive eight-year, $260 million contract to Houston. However, the deal ultimately collapsed when Arenado exercised his full no-trade clause, choosing to remain in St. Louis.
As the offseason continued, Arenado’s name remained central in trade discussions. Several high-profile teams—including the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres—were linked to the perennial Gold Glove winner. Despite the widespread interest, none of those talks progressed far enough to result in a completed deal, leaving Arenado to begin the season with the Cardinals once again.
This offseason, however, the situation appears notably different. Arenado is now entering the later stages of his career, with just two years and approximately $31 million remaining on his contract. At 33 years old and with 353 career home runs—ranking eighth among all active MLB players—there is growing belief that both the Cardinals and Arenado may be more open to a change of scenery. According to reports referenced by MLB Trade Rumors’ Charlie Wright, Arenado is now more receptive to waiving his no-trade clause under the right circumstances.
What makes this development particularly intriguing is the emergence of a new and unexpected suitor: the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels were not previously considered a serious destination in Arenado trade rumors, but recent roster changes have altered that perception. Earlier this week, the Angels reportedly agreed to a buyout with Anthony Rendon, whose tenure with the team has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Rendon’s departure has left a clear vacancy at third base, creating an opportunity for a high-profile acquisition.
Longtime MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic described Arenado as a “possibility” for the Angels, while cautioning that no deal is imminent. Additional reporting from The Athletic’s Will Sammon and Katie Woo confirmed that the Angels do, in fact, have interest in pursuing a trade.
While Arenado’s offensive production has declined somewhat in recent seasons, his overall value remains significant. He continues to be one of the league’s top defensive third basemen and remains a reliable contact hitter. Wright noted that if the acquisition cost is manageable, Arenado could provide much-needed stability for an Angels team that has struggled badly at the hot corner. The Angels have ranked in the bottom 10 in OPS at third base in each of the past five seasons.
After finishing last in the American League West at 72–90, the Angels rotated Yoan Moncada and Luis Rengifo at third base throughout last season. With both players now entering free agency, the door is open for the Angels to make a bold move—one that could finally bring Nolan Arenado’s long-rumored departure from St. Louis to reality.
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