The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly speaking with clubs about trading 10-time Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado, who's 33 years old and coming off his worst offensive campaign since 2013.
Arenado's track record of success should have teams lining up for his services, but his full no-trade clause and the $74 million remaining on the final three years of his contract ($10 million will be paid by the Colorado Rockies) could limit the number of suitors.
Here are five potential landing spots for the eight-time All-Star third baseman.
New York Yankees
The Yankees have more needs than just trying to reunite with Juan Soto.
New York's defensive struggles were exposed during the postseason, and adding Arenado at third base would go a long way toward helping the team take care of the baseball. A left side of the infield featuring Arenado and Anthony Volpe is as good as it gets. Both players ranked in the 95th percentile or better in outs above average last season.
Adding Arenado would allow Jazz Chisholm to move to his natural position at second base, or he could be deployed in center field depending on what else the Yankees do this winter.
Arenado wouldn't need to be leaned on offensively in New York, which would allow him to settle in lower in the lineup. While his power has dipped, he doesn't strike out (14.5 K%). Arenado's contract wouldn't be too difficult for the Yankees to absorb, and with three years remaining, he would fit into the window with the rest of the core.
Houston Astros
Astros general manager Dana Brown has been adamant that re-signing Alex Bregman is his top priority, but the third baseman could price himself out of Houston.
Bregman's been in talks with the Astros, but if the number is too rich for owner Jim Crane - who has a history of not conceding to the free-agent demands of homegrown players like Carlos Correa - Houston could turn to Arenado instead.
The Astros are still within their window of contention, so adding a veteran like Arenado if Bregman walks is a must considering Houston's lack of experienced in-house options and the thin crop of free-agent third basemen available outside of Bregman.
All of Arenado's power goes to the pull side, so playing 81 games hitting into the Crawford Boxes could help his home run totals climb back up.
Arenado's contract is going to easily be half the price of Bregman's, which would allow the Astros to focus on extending Kyle Tucker.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds fell flat after entering 2024 with expectations of taking a step forward. Cincinnati got very little offensive production from the third base position, finishing 26th in wRC+ (74), 29th in fWAR (-1.9), and 24th in OPS (.652).
Highly touted prospect Noelvi Marte missed the first half of the season due to suspension and struggled upon returning. Marte finished the season with a 49 OPS+ and four home runs while having issues defensively.
The Reds could use a veteran presence to help stabilize an important position. The Cardinals might not be that keen about trading Arenado to a division rival, but perhaps if the return is good enough and the Reds are willing to take on most, if not all, of the remaining money on his contract. Cincinnati would likely also benefit from a veteran position player in the clubhouse and playing alongside Elly De La Cruz.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners are frequently hesitant to take on big salary commitments, but Arenado should be firmly on their radar. Seattle struggled to replace the production at third base after trading Eugenio Suárez to the Arizona Diamondbacks ahead of last season.
Mariners third basemen were middle of the pack in wRC+ and finished 21st in home runs. Seattle is currently projected to open next season with Josh Rojas manning third base. Rojas is better served as a utility player, with his defensive versatility being more valuable at different positions.
The Mariners are under enormous pressure to put a disappointing 2024 campaign in the rearview mirror and return to postseason play. T-Mobile Park isn't an ideal offensive environment for any hitter, but adding Arenado to the lineup would provide another capable bat to complement Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, and Randy Arozarena in the lineup.
Toronto Blue Jays
It wouldn't be an offseason conversation if the Blue Jays weren't a part of it. Manager John Schneider used a rotating cast of players at third base last season as the Blue Jays had a difficult time replacing the consistent presence of Matt Chapman.
Ernie Clement is currently penciled in as the everyday third baseman heading into 2025. Clement is a useful player, but his .643 career OPS leaves something to be desired at a position where strong offensive numbers are usually a commodity.
Yes, Arenado is coming off a down offensive season, but he offers a much higher ceiling than Clement or any other player currently in the Blue Jays system.
Arenado's elite defensive play would be a welcome addition to a Blue Jays team that became accustomed to Chapman's brilliance at third base during his time in Toronto.
The window to win is rapidly closing in Toronto, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette just one year away from reaching free agency. Acquiring Arenado might be a bit of a desperation play, but it would be worth it if he can help elevate the Blue Jays back into the postseason mix in the competitive AL East.