Why the Angels Are the Logical Trade Destination for Nolan Arenado

It feels strange to discuss the St. Louis Cardinals without associating them with sustained success. For decades, the organization set the standard for consistency in the National League. Over the past ten years, however, that reputation has faded.

Other than their NLCS appearance in 2019, the Cardinals have lost three times in the wild-card round and missed the postseason entirely six times. Compare that to the decade prior to 2016, when St. Louis reached three World Series and won two championships, and the contrast becomes clear.

The current roster simply does not resemble the teams that once defined the franchise.

When the Cardinals acquired Nolan Arenado before the 2021 season, the goal was to get back to that success. Pairing Arenado with Paul Goldschmidt and Yadier Molina appeared to position St. Louis as a perennial contender once again.

Instead, those hopes were never fulfilled. Now with Goldschmidt and Molina gone, Arenado’s future in St. Louis appears increasingly uncertain.

How We Got Here

Arenado was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft out of high school. By 2012, he was already regarded as a top 25 prospect in baseball alongside names such as Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, and Gerrit Cole.

One year later, Arenado made his major-league debut and quickly established himself, posting 2.5 bWAR across his first 133 games.

After six elite seasons in Colorado, Arenado signed an eight year, $260 million dollar extension that would carry him through his age-36 season. As the Rockies continued to struggle competitively, his frustration became increasingly public leading into 2020. Once the shortened pandemic season concluded, a trade felt inevitable.

Colorado ultimately sent Arenado to St. Louis prior to the 2021 season after a stint that included eight Gold Gloves, five top ten MVP finishes, five All-Star selections, and four Silver Slugger awards.

His first two seasons with the Cardinals looked exactly like what the organization hoped for. Arenado compiled 12.1 bWAR, a 134 OPS+, two Gold Gloves, two All-Star selections, and a Silver Slugger.

Since then, however, his offensive production has sharply declined across most metrics. The last three seasons have not reflected the player fans grew accustomed to watching.

Now entering his age-35 season with two years and $31 million dollars remaining on his contract, the possibility of a trade feels more realistic than ever.

The End Of An Era in St. Louis

When St. Louis brought Arenado together with Paul Goldschmidt in 2021, expectations quickly shifted toward a potential return to the World Series. Instead, the Cardinals endured two early postseason exits followed by three consecutive seasons without playoff baseball.

Heading into the 2026 season, a full organizational reset appears inevitable.

The Cardinals currently have three prospects on Just Baseball’s Top 100 list in JJ Wetherholt (9), Raniel Rodriguez (46), and Liam Doyle (82). Masyn Winn and Ivan Herrera have also shown promise at the major-league level, but the system still lacks enough impact talent to support a quick turnaround. Trading Arenado in exchange for younger assets is the clearest path forward.

Why the Angels Stand Out

The Los Angeles Angels did not have much luck at third base in recent years. Anthony Rendon’s seven-year, $245 million contract that he signed in December of 2019 resulted in him appearing in just 32% of the team’s games since.

This offseason, the Angels and Rendon agreed to restructure his contract as he steps away from the team, providing the team with a little more payroll flexibility.

Arenado’s situation is far more manageable. With just two years remaining at $16 million and $15 million dollars, respectively, the financial risk is significantly lower. With spreading the remaining money owed to Rendon across the next few seasons, they can use those savings to pursue an upgrade such as Arenado.

As spring training approaches, the Angels are currently looking at Christian Moore, Vaughn Grissom, Oswaldo Peraza, and Kyren Paris as internal options at third base. Even at this stage of his career, Arenado would represent a meaningful upgrade both offensively and defensively.

While expectations should remain realistic, the Angels’ offense is not as far away as it may seem. The lineup posted an OPS of at least .725 in May, June, and July of last season before fading late. With Zach Neto, Jo Adell, Jorge Soler, Logan O’Hoppe, and Mike Trout expected back, adding Arenado could stabilize the middle of the order and elevate the infield defense.

Trout’s timeline also matters. With the Angels seemingly unwilling to move him, the organization faces increasing pressure to build a competitive roster around one of the greatest players of his generation. Baseball fans everywhere deserve to see Trout and Arenado playing meaningful baseball in October one last time.

Reuniting two former top prospects from 2012 would not only improve the roster but also re-energize a fan base searching for optimism.

A Fresh Start For Arenado

Any trade involving Nolan Arenado would require him to waive his no trade clause, limiting the Cardinals’ leverage. Still, as the team continues to drift further from contention, that scenario becomes more and more likely.

California stands out as a logical destination. Arenado grew up in Newport Beach, less than 20 miles from Angel Stadium. Over the past decade, players returning home have become increasingly common, and this move would fit that pattern naturally. It would be a welcomed sight for the kid from Cali to return after playing in Colorado and Missouri.

The opportunity to wind his career down close to home while helping push a team toward postseason relevance would offer a fitting next chapter. It would also give Arenado a chance to play meaningful baseball alongside Trout in what could be one of the final competitive windows of their careers.

Final Thoughts

Many expected the Cardinals to begin a full teardown when Paul Goldschmidt left in free agency last offseason. Instead, the organization attempted to remain competitive. While admirable, that approach delayed necessary change.

Earlier this offseason, St. Louis traded Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox, even sending 20 million dollars to facilitate the deal. That willingness to absorb salary may be necessary again if the Cardinals look to maximize value in an Arenado trade. His remaining contract is manageable for most contenders, and financial assistance could help bring back stronger prospect returns.

Among potential suitors, the Angels check several important boxes. They need a third baseman, have payroll flexibility, and offer a compelling personal fit.

While Arenado may no longer be the MVP-caliber force he once was, this type of move could inject excitement into a fan base that has endured years of disappointment. For both teams, the timing finally feels right.