St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado reported to spring training on Sunday after an MLB offseason filled with trade rumors. With three years remaining on his eight-year, $260 million contract (deferred money until 2041, via Spotrac),
Arenado sought a trade to a World Series contender this offseason. Arenado, who holds a full no-trade clause in his deal, reportedly shut down a trade in December that would have sent him to the Houston Astros (via MLB.com). Eventually losing Alex Bregman in free agency to the Boston Red Sox, Houston was seemingly prepared to hand over third base duties to Arenado,
but they were not on his list of preferred trade targets. Via John Denton of MLB.com in a Dec. 10 report, Arenado’s preferred list of trade destinations included the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. While New York has shown a willingness to be aggressive,
and the remaining money on Arenado’s deal would presumably be no issue for billionaire owner Steve Cohen, the organization believes in 25-year-old infielder Mark Vientos at the hot corner. The lack of suitors for Arenado led to Thursday’s news that he would likely begin the season in St. Louis. Following this news,
Arenado met with reporters on Sunday at Cardinals spring training, sending a strong message on his mindset entering the season. “There was a possibility of me being traded and there was a possibility of me coming back,” Arenado told reporters. “I’m back and I’m ready to go play ball.” On the Cardinals’ direction, which led to Arenado’s desire to be in a win-now situation, the eight-time All-Star made an honest statement.
“Do I wish the direction was all in? Of course,” Arenado said. “But is this what’s best for the Cardinals? Probably… But at the end of the day, I’m a ballplayer. I’m a Cardinal until I’m told I’m not… I got a lot of work to do. I gotta be a better ballplayer, and that’s what I’m focused on.”
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