The St. Louis Cardinals’ offseason has been anything but ordinary,wiht the spotlight firmly fixed on the future of eight-time All-Star Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat,to discuss the team’s plans. Mozeliak made it clear that trading arenado remains the association’s top priority, stating, “I think priority one, two and three is still Nolan.”
This declaration underscores the Cardinals’ commitment to reshaping their roster for the 2025 season. Mozeliak has been transparent about the team’s goals: cutting payroll and providing more opportunities for younger players. While the Cardinals have stopped short of labeling next season as a rebuilding year, the intention to trade Arenado signals a significant shift in strategy. During the Winter Meetings, Mozeliak candidly admitted, “It’s my intention to try” to move Arenado, a move that aligns with the team’s broader objectives.
However, trading arenado is no simple task. The third baseman holds a full no-trade clause, giving him ultimate control over his destiny. this clause has already played a pivotal role in shaping the offseason narrative. In December, Arenado blocked a proposed deal that would have sent him to the Houston Astros. Reports indicated that Houston was willing to absorb between $45 million and $59 million of the $60 million remaining on arenado’s contract. (The total contract value is $74 million, with the Colorado Rockies covering $10 million and $4 million deferred.) Following the failed trade, the Astros pivoted, signing hadn’t entirely closed the door on joining the Astros. the timing of the proposed trade, coming just days after Houston dealt Cardinals’ Offseason Stalled by No-Movement clauses and Free Agent Market Dynamics
Table of Contents The St. Louis Cardinals’ offseason has been anything but straightforward. Described by Anthony Franco in a recent piece for MLB Trade Rumors Front Office as a “half-measure offseason,” the team has yet to make significant moves, particularly involving their higher-salaried players like Nolan Arenado. The Cardinals’ front office, led by President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak, has faced numerous hurdles, including no-movement clauses and a sluggish free agent market. Nolan Arenado, the Cardinals’ star third baseman, has been at the center of trade speculation this winter. However, Mozeliak revealed that the lack of movement on Arenado’s front is largely tied to the free agent market.“I would imagine the free agent market would be what’s slowing that down,” Mozeliak said, referencing the fact that Alex bregman remains unsigned. Once Bregman signs,the dominoes could start to fall,possibly opening up opportunities for an Arenado trade. Mozeliak also noted that he hasn’t spoken directly with Arenado in nearly a month, with their last conversation occurring before the holidays. As Spring Training approaches, the Cardinals’ front office will need to address the possibility of Arenado starting the season in St. Louis. “There’s the mental side of this too, right?” Mozeliak said. “He’s probably thinking, like, OK, if I have to come to camp, I want to start preparing for that, and maybe he wants to be committed to [staying in St.Louis] at that point.” The Cardinals’ offseason plans have been further complicated by no-movement clauses held by key players. Willson Contreras and Sonny Grey both refused to waive their clauses, leaving the team with limited adaptability. This has prevented the Cardinals from making significant roster changes,despite having several impending free agents like Ryan Helsley,Erick Fedde,and Steven Matz. Mozeliak acknowledged the challenges posed by these clauses, stating, “It was almost more like order of operation.Had we been a few days ahead of that, I think there would’ve been [a trade]….So yeah, things happen.” Franco’s characterization of the Cardinals’ offseason as a “half-measure” rings true. The team has yet to make any major moves, and the lack of activity has left fans and analysts alike questioning the direction of the franchise. With Spring Training just around the corner, the Cardinals will need to make decisions quickly to avoid starting the season with unresolved questions hanging over the clubhouse. | Aspect | Details | As the Cardinals prepare for Spring Training, the focus will shift to how the team manages the uncertainty surrounding Arenado and other key players. Mozeliak’s comments suggest that the front office is aware of the mental toll this situation could take on Arenado and the team as a whole.“Clearly, as we get closer to Jupiter, that is something we will have to touch on,” Mozeliak said, referring to the team’s Spring Training facility in Florida. For now, Cardinals fans will have to wait and see if the team can turn this “half-measure offseason” into a triumphant season on the field. Stay updated on the latest Cardinals news and rumors by subscribing to MLB Trade Rumors Front Office. The St. Louis Cardinals are at a crossroads this offseason, balancing financial flexibility with roster needs as they explore the possibility of trading star third baseman Nolan Arenado. With $27.2 million in combined salaries tied to players like Erick Fedde, Steven Matz, and Ryan Helsley, the team is carefully evaluating its options to free up payroll space. According to Cardinals President of baseball Operations John Mozeliak, the organization is prioritizing depth in its pitching rotation, making it hesitant to part with key arms like Fedde or matz. “We really feel like we have some depth in our rotation right now, so I really don’t want to start preparing tearing away from that, in terms of thinking about moving a position player to achieve some financial goals,” Mozeliak explained. though, the financial implications of Arenado’s contract are hard to ignore. After accounting for the Colorado Rockies’ $5 million contribution, Arenado is owed $27 million in 2025 and another $27 million in 2026. This has led the Cardinals to explore all avenues for moving the veteran infielder before considering other payroll-cutting measures. The Cardinals’ ability to shed salary could open the door for significant roster upgrades.Mozeliak hinted at potential targets,stating,“obviously [the] bullpen” and “a right-handed bat with some thump,something like that” are areas of interest.With Arenado potentially on the move, the Cardinals would need to replace his right-handed power in the lineup. While Jordan Walker provides a right-handed presence in the outfield, the team’s other outfielders—Lars Nootbaar, Victor Scott II, and Michael Siani—all bat left-handed. This imbalance could prompt St. Louis to seek a cost-effective right-handed hitter to fill the void. The Cardinals have several players who could be moved to alleviate payroll pressure. Below is a breakdown of their salaries and potential trade value: | Player | 2025 Salary | Notes | While Fedde and Helsley offer value to the roster,Matz’s injury history and hefty salary make him a prime candidate for a salary-dump trade. Moving any of these players could help the cardinals reallocate resources to address bullpen needs or add a right-handed bat. As the Cardinals navigate this pivotal offseason,their decisions will hinge on balancing financial prudence with competitive aspirations. Moving Arenado remains a priority, but the team is also mindful of maintaining roster depth. “That would be something we could consider as well, but we really don’t want to,” Mozeliak said regarding potential trades of position players. This cautious approach underscores the Cardinals’ commitment to fielding a competitive team while managing payroll constraints. With the offseason in full swing, the Cardinals’ next moves could shape their trajectory for years to come. Fans will be watching closely as the front office works to strike the right balance between cost-cutting and roster betterment. — The Cardinals’ payroll situation is further complicated by the fact that they are already committed to paying Arenado $15 million in 2024, with the Rockies covering the remaining $10 million of his $25 million salary.However, if the Cardinals trade Arenado, they could potentially save $35 million over the next two seasons, assuming the acquiring team takes on the majority of his remaining contract. Mozeliak acknowledged that trading Arenado would be a important move, but he also emphasized the need to balance financial adaptability with the team’s competitive goals. “We have to be mindful of our payroll, but we also have to put a competitive team on the field,” Mozeliak said. While the Cardinals have yet to find a suitable trade partner for Arenado,several teams have been rumored to be interested,including the Los Angeles Dodgers,New York Yankees,and Chicago cubs. However, any potential deal would require Arenado to waive his no-trade clause, which he has shown reluctance to do in the past. Mozeliak indicated that the Cardinals are open to exploring all options, but they are also prepared to start the season with Arenado on the roster if a trade doesn’t materialize. “We’re not going to force anything,” Mozeliak said.“If the right deal isn’t there, we’re comfortable moving forward with Nolan as part of our team.” As the Cardinals continue to navigate their offseason, the focus will remain on finding the right balance between financial flexibility and roster needs. Whether that means trading Arenado or holding onto him, the team’s front office is committed to making decisions that will position the Cardinals for success in 2024 and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates on the Cardinals’ offseason moves and trade rumors.The Arenado Conundrum
No-Movement Clauses Complicate Matters
A Half-Measure Offseason
Key Takeaways
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Nolan Arenado Trade | Stalled due to free agent market dynamics, particularly Alex Bregman’s status. |
| No-Movement Clauses | Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray refused to waive, limiting trade options. |
| Impending Free Agents| Ryan Helsley, Erick Fedde, and Steven Matz could be trade candidates. |
| Spring Training | Mozeliak and Arenado will need to address potential trade scenarios soon. |Looking Ahead
Cardinals Weigh Payroll Options as Arenado Trade Looms
Payroll Flexibility and roster Upgrades
Trade Candidates and Financial Implications
|——————|————-|—————————————–|
| Nolan Arenado | $27MM | Rockies contributing $5MM annually |
| Erick Fedde | $7.5MM | Solid rotation depth |
| Steven Matz | $12MM | Injury concerns, potential salary dump |
| ryan Helsley | $8.2MM | Final year of team control | The Road Ahead
For more updates on the Cardinals’ offseason moves, follow our coverage and stay tuned for the latest news.
Nt to disrupt that,” Mozeliak said. Payroll Constraints and Trade Scenarios
Potential Trade Partners
Looking Ahead
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