***IF Cardinals continue to struggle to deal Arenado…could Houston circle back?

Arenado utilizing his No-trade clause initially was reportedly because of the shock & uncertainty with Houston trading Kyle Tucker away which happened right around the same time in December…plus Nolan was reportedly holding out hope to land with his preferred destination of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Red Sox recently have been his most likely reported trade destination, but they are obviously now off the board with Bregman landing there.

Just wanted to raise this hypothetical now that Bregman is off the board…plus the fact that these 2 franchises already had an agreed upon deal for Arenado earlier this offseason.

Houston would maintain elite D at 3rd with Breggy leaving, while acquiring a veteran who is hungry to win with a swing that is geared for the Crawford Boxes. Would Arenado be worth going over the CBT for? I think so, potentially…Cardinals would likely pay down even more money now as they’re desperate to deal him. Nolan is owed $52 million over the next 3 years at a $17.3 AAV, but a good portion of this will be paid down. Nolan definitely raises our floor for 2025, and Cam Smith could still potentially move to RF for 2026 & beyond. Isaac Paredes would obviously play 2B the majority of the time. Astros gain a draft pick for Bregman’s departure while gaining another Crawford Box merchant in Arenado at a discount to add with Christian Walker & Isaac Paredes.

Other trade suitors for Arenado with Bregman now off the board are likely NYY, CHC, DET, TOR, and LAD. Arenado’s trade market will likely move quickly now with Bregman off the board. Keep in mind though that Arenado still has a no-trade clause. C-Walk & Arenado’s gloves on the corners would be stout, and both would be stalwart leaders in the clubhouse.

Potential 2025 Lineup

LF Altuve

2B Paredes

DH Yordan

1B Walker

C Diaz

3B Arenado

RF Gamel

CF McCormick

SS Pena