Phillies’ Interest in Cardinals Star Nolan Arenado Reportedly Intensifying
By Matt Sullivan — November 2025
The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing for what could be one of their most important offseasons in years. With key decisions looming on Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez, and Harrison Bader, the team is also exploring potential upgrades via trades and free agency.
According to Jeff Jones of BND.com, Philadelphia’s interest in St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado has grown stronger. Jones reports that the Phillies’ pursuit of the 10-time Gold Glove winner is “intensifying” after another disappointing playoff exit.
“The Phillies seemed like the most logical destination for Arenado last winter,” Jones wrote, “and that has seemingly only intensified after another year of playoff disappointment.”
Arenado, 34, remains one of the league’s elite defensive players, but his offensive production has dipped significantly in recent seasons. In 2025, he appeared in 107 games and posted a .237 batting average with a .666 OPS — the lowest mark of his career. His .377 slugging percentage was also a career low, continuing a steady decline from his standout 2022 season when he finished third in NL MVP voting with an .891 OPS.
A trade for Arenado wouldn’t come cheap. The veteran has two years remaining on his contract, earning $16 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027. While the Cardinals appear to be entering a rebuild, they are expected to demand strong trade compensation in return.
For the Phillies, acquiring Arenado would mark a clear shift at third base, where Alec Bohm has held the starting role. Even with his offensive regression, Arenado’s defense and experience could provide much-needed stability to Philadelphia’s infield — particularly if he’s no longer required to carry the offense.
If the deal does not materialize, the Phillies could still look toward other options such as Alex Bregman or other free-agent third basemen. But according to current reports, their interest in Arenado suggests the front office is serious about making a bold move this winter.
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