Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
*PREDICTION*
One of the bigger names that could be moved via trade this offseason across baseball is veteran infielder Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals. Arenado has been part of trade rumors for a few years now, but many insiders across the sport now believe that a trade could be coming down the pipeline.
The veteran does have a full no-trade clause, but there have been reports that he will waive this to get off the Cardinals. St. Louis is entering into the rebuild, and it seems that neither side wants to keep the partnership going any longer.
Arenado has two years left on his current contract, which has been a major sticking point in trade talks over the years. The veteran is scheduled to make $16 million for the upcoming season, and then $15 million for the 2017 season.
While the veteran may not be the same level of player that he once was, Arenado can still be impactful in the correct situation. This could see a few teams show interest in landing him, but where the Cardinals send him remains to be seen at this point.
More MLB Content From TWSN:
No, The Los Angeles Dodgers Aren’t Ruining Baseball
The Dream Free Agent Signing For Every MLB Team
Top 5 World Series Game 7s of All Time
Miami Marlins Land Nolan Arenado in Trade Prediction
One of the more underrated options for Arenado could be a team that nobody saw coming: the Miami Marlins. Miami finished the regular season last year with a record of 49-38, showing that they may have actually been more than just a flash in the pan.
While the team didn’t make the playoffs, the end-of-season run does give some hope for the 2026 season. This team reportedly wants to add payroll, and the one thing that they are missing is a veteran voice for the locker room.
Could Arenado be that player for the Marlins over the next few seasons? That would be the biggest question, and whether he would want to go to Miami also could complicate things.
But if Arenado were to be willing to accept a trade to Miami, it could work out very well for each party. Arenado would be able to go to a team that feels like it is a piece away from getting to the playoffs, and he could help elevate the franchise forward.
Putting his bat into the Marlins lineup could help push this team over the top, and with some of the other National League East teams in a state of flux, Miami could take advantage. While they may not win the division, landing a wild-card spot could be in play for the 2026 season.
At this point in his career, Arenado likely wants to play for a true contender, but his options may be limited across the league. In Miami, he would get a chance to play for a potential playoff team, while also living in a state with no income tax.
Areando could take on the role of being a leader for this young club, something that may interest him moving forward. Of course, all of this is contingent on him waiving the no-trade clause, but the fit seems to look great.