St. Louis, MO — September 6, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado remains at the center of speculation as the franchise balances its future direction with the presence of one of baseball’s most decorated veterans.
Arenado, currently sidelined with a right shoulder strain and expected to return by mid-September, has not publicly pushed for a trade despite mounting rumors throughout the season. With a full no-trade clause in his contract, the 34-year-old holds complete control over his future — a power he exercised last winter when he declined a deal that would have sent him to the Houston Astros.
Still, the veteran has acknowledged frustration after watching closer Ryan Helsley and other teammates depart in recent moves. Sources around the league suggest Arenado could be open to joining a World Series contender, but only under the right circumstances.
For now, Arenado remains committed to finishing the season in St. Louis, where he has been a cornerstone since arriving in 2021. While his offensive numbers have dipped — batting .235 with 10 home runs and 43 RBIs in 2025 — his reputation as one of the game’s elite defenders at third base remains intact.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, face a delicate decision: hold on to their Gold Glove veteran as a stabilizing presence during a transitional period, or revisit trade conversations in the offseason. Until then, Arenado’s future rests in his own hands, with both fans and front offices watching closely.
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