MLB Rumors: Top 5 Trade Destinations for Nolan Arenado

December 03, 2025 , , , , ,
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado reacts during 2025 game.

Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals both seem ready for a fresh start, and this time it actually feels like a move might happen. 

With Chaim Bloom steering towards a clear rebuild and openly saying both sides “feel like it’s best to find a different fit,” the focus now shifts to Nolan Arenado landing spots and which contender can talk him into waiving his full no trade clause.

Los Angeles Angels

If Arenado wants a soft landing that still feels like home, the Los Angeles Angels might be the loudest fit. They have a glaring hole at third base after finally moving on from Anthony Rendon, their production at the position has been near the bottom of the league, and ownership never seems shy about chasing big names to create the impression they are close to contending. 

Arenado grew up in Southern California and went to high school closer to Angel Stadium than Dodger Stadium, so the location sell is easy. Even if the Angels are more fringe contender than true powerhouse, penciling Arenado in as a stabilizing veteran next to young pieces and recent adds would make sense for both sides.

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are firmly in win now mode after a deep postseason run and already have a lineup built around stars like Julio Rodriguez and Josh Naylor. 

What they lost was Eugenio Suárez at third base. Arenado could slide into that spot, hit in the middle of the order without carrying the entire offense, and serve as a bridge to elite infield prospects such as Cole Young and Colt Emerson. Seattle’s front office has already shown it is willing to swing big trades with the Cardinals, and this version of Arenado fits more as a high floor veteran at a position of need than a savior.

Arizona Diamondbacks 

The Arizona Diamondbacks round out the West group as a smart fit with a clear opening at third after dealing Suárez earlier and bouncing Jordan Lawlar and Blaze Alexander around the diamond. 

Arizona likes its young core and would not be chasing a megastar here, just a dependable glove and quality at bats if the price in prospects and cash is reasonable.

Philadelphia Phillies

In the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies are exactly the kind of aggressive club that could talk themselves into an Arenado play if the third base market gets messy. 

Alec Bohm is nearing free agency and could be moved in a larger shakeup, and the Phillies are already bracing for decisions on big names like Kyle Schwarber and J. T. Realmuto. If they miss on Alex Bregman in free agency and are not ready to hand the position to a prospect full time, a shorter term bet on Arenado’s track record makes sense. 

His pull heavy swing might play nicely at Citizens Bank Park, and in a lineup already stacked with power, he would not be asked to look like the 2022 version that posted an MVP caliber season.

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are another club that keeps surfacing around Nolan Arenado landing spots. They chased third base help before, showing interest in Bregman, and still do not have a truly locked in long term answer at the hot corner. 

They have plenty of infield names on paper, yet question marks around who actually claims the job. Dropping Arenado in as a veteran anchor while younger pieces like Kevin McGonigle and Jace Jung sort themselves out would line up neatly with the Tigers’ timeline. 

Photo Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

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