MLB Rumors: Nolan Arenado willing to make big change to ease Cardinals move
Cardinals star Nolan Arenado may have a slightly different role next season on another team.
With trade rumors surrounding St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado continuing to intensify this offseason, it seems likely to happen as the star player looks to make some changes. While some people may say the Cardinals shouldn’t trade Arenado, the team appears to be headed for a reset according to the latest news from The Athletic’s Katie Woo.
One of the changes Arenado is willing to commit to as part of a move to another team is that, in addition to playing third base exclusively, he would also play first base “to create flexibility in the roster.”
“When the St. Louis Cardinals acquired Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies in February 2021, he was over the moon to finally join a consistently winning team,” Woo wrote about Arenado’s situation. “Now, as the Cardinals change direction and contemplate trading Arenado, the 10-time Gold Glove-winning third baseman is willing to play first base, or at least less third base, to create roster flexibility for a potential new team, informed league sources say about his situation.”
“The Cardinals are in an unconventional offseason, at least by their standards,” Woo continued. “For the first time in President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak’s 17-year tenure, the Cardinals are taking a step back and will use the 2025 season as an organizational reset.”
Conversation regarding trading Arenado is reported to have begun at the end of last season, as St. Louis had an 83-79 record, which put them in second place in the NL Central. There have been “a few teams” that could be interested, as both star and executive John Mozeliak are mutually open to a trade.
“The Cardinals have been exploring the potential trade market for Arenado for weeks,” Woo wrote. “Those conversations, preliminary in nature, have not yet produced substantial progress. However, some teams have expressed early interest, according to a league source. As the winter meetings approach, talks are likely to intensify, and there is a growing sense throughout the industry that Arenado will be on the move.”
“The plan to trade Arenado dates back to the end of the season,” Woo continued. “With a change in the organization’s operations on the horizon, Mozeliak met with Arenado in late September and explained that the team’s strategy was changing. According to multiple league sources, Arenado and Mozeliak were open to the possibility of a potential trade this winter. Arenado did not request a trade, but was on board with the idea when Mozeliak approached him.”
This shocking decision by Nolan Arenado to move to first base has the MLB on fire. The St. Louis Cardinals star is willing to make a major change as part of a potential trade, offering to play both third base and first base to create roster flexibility. While some may advocate not trading Arenado, the Cardinals appear to be headed for a reset, with the 2025 season representing an organizational reset. Trade rumors have been circulating since the end of last season, and there is growing interest from other teams. As talks intensify, it seems more and more likely that Nolan Arenado will be on the move. This decision marks a seismic shift in the MLB landscape, and fans across the league anxiously await the outcome of this earth-shattering trade.
John Doe mentioned a possible bidding war for Arenado. What factors, beyond performance, might incentivize teams to offer higher prices, such as Arenado’s leadership qualities or potential impact on team chemistry?
## Interview: Nolan Arenado’s Future and the Cardinals’ Reset
**Guests:**
* **John Doe:** Experienced Baseball Analyst known for insightful commentary.
* **Jane Smith:** Former MLB General Manager with a deep understanding of roster construction and trades.
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re discussing the emerging situation surrounding Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals, with potential ramifications across Major League Baseball. Joining us are John Doe, a prominent baseball analyst, and Jane Smith, a former MLB General Manager.
**Section 1: Arenado’s Willingness to Change Positions**
* **Host:** Nolan Arenado, known for his exceptional defence at third base, has expressed willingness to play first base to facilitate a trade. John, does this demonstrate adaptability or a necessity driven by a desire to leave St. Louis?
* **John Doe:** It’s likely a combination of both. Arenado’s a professional who wants to win, and this move shows his commitment to that goal. Playing first base opens up opportunities with teams that need his specific skills.
* **Host:** Jane, from a GM’s perspective, how significant is Arenado’s positional flexibility in trade negotiations?
* **Jane Smith:** It’s huge. Teams are always looking for versatility, and Arenado’s willingness to move adds immediate value. This makes him a more attractive asset to teams needing infield help, but also teams looking to experiment with their lineups.
**Section 2: The Cardinals’ Organizational Reset**
* **Host:** The Cardinals’ decision to trade Arenado seems intertwined with their announced “reset” for the 2025 season. John, what are the potential ramifications of this strategy?
* **John Doe:** It’s a bold move, signaling a shift from immediate contention to rebuilding for the future. They’ll likely prioritize younger players and prospects, potentially acquiring draft picks in a trade involving Arenado.
* **Host:** Jane, what are the risks and rewards associated with this type of reset?
* **Jane Smith:** The risk is alienating fans who want to see competitive baseball immediately. But the reward is the potential for long-term success, building a sustainable core of young talent. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off in the long run.
**Section 3: The Impact on the MLB Landscape**
* **Host:** Arenado’s potential trade has sent shockwaves through baseball. John, how do you see this impacting the competition among teams?
* **John Doe:** A player of his caliber instantly boosts any contender. Several teams with postseason aspirations will likely be interested, potentially sparking a bidding war and affecting the balance of power in both leagues.
* **Host:** Jane, how will this trade, and the Cardinals’ reset, shape the future free agency and trading landscape?
* **Jane Smith:** This could empower other teams to pursue similar strategies, prioritizing long-term success over short-term gains. It might also lead to more creative trades, with teams looking for players with versatile skillsets like Arenado.
**Closing:**
* **Host:** This is a truly fascinating situation with implications for Nolan Arenado’s career, the future of the St. Louis Cardinals, and the overall MLB landscape. Thank you both for your insights, John and Jane. This definitely is a story we’ll be following closely.
