Nolan Arenado's First Post After Astros-Cardinals News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Feb 22, 2025 8:38 PM ET

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado reported to Spring Training on Sunday after an MLB offseason filled with trade rumors. Seeking a trade to a World Series contender, Arenado vetoed a deal in December that would have landed him with the Houston Astros (via MLB.com).

Holding a full no-trade clause in his eight-year, $260 million contract (deferred money until 2041, via Spotrac), Arenado decides whether or not he gets moved. Additionally, as the eight-time All-Star already showed this offseason, he also decides where he gets moved to.

As opening day nears, a new report about Arenado has reignited the possibility of him landing in Houston.

On Saturday, it was reported by John Denton of MLB.com that Arenado could be reconsidering Houston as a possible destination, citing the team's plan to remain contenders in the American League.

"The Astros have renewed their interest in trading for Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, multiple sources told MLB.com on Saturday," Denton wrote.

Months after Nolan Arenado snubbed them by squashing a trade, the #Astros have reengaged the #STLCards about a deal centered around the star, sources tell @brianmctaggart @Feinsand and me.

Arenado is considering a potential deal to Houston, per sources.https://t.co/qbpzmQ6Yjx
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) February 22, 2025

Denton added Houston's move to sign star first baseman Christian Walker indicates they are attempting to remain in World Series contention, which is what Arenado desires to be a part of.

On Saturday evening, Arenado made his first post since this report. The Instagram story post included no caption, but showed him playing defense in a Cardinals jersey.

The Astros were not on Arenado's list of preferred destinations in December when he vetoed the trade. Per Denton , the 10-time Gold Glove Award winner had a six-team list at that time: Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets.

After 25-year-old third baseman Mark Vientos posted 135 OPS+ in his second full MLB season for New York, the Mets never made much sense for Arenado. This became even more unlikely when New York re-signed slugging first baseman Pete Alonso, removing the possibility of Vientos sliding to first and opening up third for Arenado.

As for some of the other teams on Arenado's list, they also have established third baseman or made offseason moves to address that position. This leaves Houston, who saw Alex Bregman join the Red Sox in free agency, as a logical suitor.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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