Cardinals Rebuild: Exploring an Arenado Trade to the Cubs
The St. Louis Cardinals have embarked on what appears to be a comprehensive rebuild this offseason, signaling a strategic shift for the historically competitive franchise. Already, they’ve made significant moves by trading catcher Willson Contreras and pitcher Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox in separate deals that clearly indicate their intention to reset. These transactions represent just the beginning of what could be a series of moves designed to position the team for future success rather than immediate contention, breaking with the Cardinals’ typical approach of retooling rather than rebuilding.
With the initial trades completed, attention now turns to third baseman Nolan Arenado as potentially the next major piece to be moved. The eight-time Gold Glove winner carries a substantial contract, making him an expensive asset for a team pivoting toward youth and financial flexibility. Despite Arenado’s defensive prowess and leadership qualities, his contract presents a significant obstacle for a rebuilding team. The Cardinals appear motivated to move this contract, even if it means accepting less than ideal return value or covering a portion of his remaining salary, which stands at approximately $31 million over the next two seasons.
Interestingly, FanSided’s Christopher Kline has proposed an unconventional trading partner for Arenado: the division rival Chicago Cubs. While trades between fierce rivals like the Cardinals and Cubs are relatively rare, Kline suggests this particular deal could make sense for both sides under certain conditions. He notes that for such a trade to materialize, “the St. Louis Cardinals [would need to eat] a significant chunk of the $31 million Nolan Arenado is owed over the next two seasons.” The financial aspect would be crucial, as the Cardinals would need to subsidize Arenado’s contract to make him an attractive acquisition for any team, including the Cubs.
From the Cubs’ perspective, Arenado represents a potential solution to multiple needs. With Kyle Tucker likely departing via free agency, Chicago needs to strengthen their infield and overall defensive alignment. Kline emphasizes that Arenado “fits the Chicago Cubs’ M.O. rather perfectly” as “an exceptional defender at third base, even as he ages into his mid-30s.” The defensive combination of “Arenado, Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner and Michael Busch would give Chicago one of the best infields in MLB.” This defensive upgrade could be particularly valuable for a Cubs team that has emphasized run prevention in recent seasons and plays in the wind-affected conditions of Wrigley Field, where strong infield defense can be especially impactful.
Beyond the defensive benefits, acquiring Arenado could represent a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for the Cubs if the Cardinals absorb a substantial portion of his remaining salary. While Arenado’s offensive production has declined from his peak Colorado years, there’s reason to believe he could experience a resurgence in a new environment. Though no longer the 40-home run threat he once was, Arenado still provides professional at-bats and situational hitting that would complement Chicago’s lineup. The Cubs’ player development staff might also help Arenado adjust his approach to maximize his remaining offensive potential, similar to how they’ve helped other veterans rediscover productive form in recent seasons.
For the Cardinals, while trading Arenado to a division rival would undoubtedly be uncomfortable, it might represent the most practical path forward in their rebuilding process. By shedding a significant portion of his contract—even while paying some of it—they would gain financial flexibility for future moves while potentially acquiring young talent from the Cubs’ system. This trade scenario encapsulates the difficult decisions facing the Cardinals’ front office as they navigate this unexpected rebuilding phase: balancing financial considerations against competitive interests while trying to maximize return value on veteran players. Whether this particular Cubs-Cardinals trade materializes or not, it’s clear that Arenado’s situation will be one of the most closely watched storylines as the Cardinals continue reshaping their roster for the future.
