The Pittsburgh Pirates definitely need to add some bats this offseason thanks to having the worst offense in baseball in 2025. They are apparently willing to spend money in free agency, but most will believe it when they see it.
The Pirates are also expected to be active on the trade market and have already been floated as a potential landing spot for some intriguing hitters, but recently, a rather frightening name emerged as a possibility for Pittsburgh: St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.
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Mike Petriello of MLB.com recently listed the Pirates as one of the top trade destinations for Arenado, and that would be a massive mistake on the part of the Buccos.
Arenado has two years remaining on the eight-year, $260 million contract he initially signed with the Colorado Rockies back in 2019. He is slated to earn $16 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027.
Years ago, that was a bargain for the eight-time All-Star, who will almost surely be in Cooperstown one day. But now? At age 34? The deal is an absolute disaster, and the Pirates should avoid it at all costs.
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Yes, the Cardinals would likely be willing to shell out money for some of Arenado’s remaining salary in any potential trade, but how much would they be willing to actually pay? Plus, the more money St. Louis eats, the more the Cardinals will expect in terms of trade value.
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. Credit:Â Eakin Howard-Imagn Images.
Arenado slashed just .237/.289/.377 with 12 home runs and 52 RBI over 436 plate appearances this past season. He managed a .719 OPS in 2024, and he hasn’t posted an OPS of .800 or better since 2022. And if we are being honest, he really hasn’t been the same offensively since he left Colorado.
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The Pirates need to look everywhere for bats, sure. But an aging, rapidly declining Arenado is absolutely not the answer.
Arenado is no longer even as great in the field anymore. There was a time where he was the clear-cut best third baseman in baseball, but his defense has declined, as well.
This is the second time we have heard Pittsburgh mentioned as a possible trade partner for a team looking to unload some salary. Remember: the Pirates were also tabbed as a potential landing spot for disgruntled Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos, who is set to make $20 million in the final year of his deal next season.
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The catch is that the Phillies would have to absorb some of that money for Castellanos just like the Cardinals would for Arenado. So are the Bucs just exploring bargain-bin options here?
It seems wild to refer to Arenado in that context, but at this stage of his career, it’s the truth.
The Pirates should absolutely be looking elsewhere to find offensive firepower. Arenado — who turns 35 in April — is not the answer.