As the St. Louis Cardinals prepare to kick off spring training, it seems increasingly probable that Nolan Arenado will remain with the team to start the 2025 season. The recent Alex Bregman signing by the Boston Red Sox has ruled them out as a trade suitor, leading to a noteworthy statement from Cardinals’ president of baseball operations John Mozeliak. “I think the mindset right now is he’s likely going to be a part of our club at this point. I definitely feel like it’s a better chance than not (he’s with the team on Opening Day),” Mozeliak remarked.

Arenado possesses a no-trade clause that would need to be adjusted for any deals to transpire. He reportedly has a limited number of teams willing to accept a trade, including the Red Sox and the San Diego Padres. Previously, a trade with the Houston Astros was blocked by Arenado, redirecting Houston’s focus towards other players.

Arenado, now 33, is signed for $74 million over the next three years, with $10 million subsidized by the Rockies, showing that St. Louis had been open to compensating more in previous trade considerations.

Despite entering a rebuilding phase, the Cardinals had a moderate record last year at 83-79, hinting at a need for optimism moving forward.