Finding a trade partner for Nolan Arenado has proven to be a challenge for the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason. As spring training draws closer, the potential future Hall of Famer remains on the trade block. Various factors, including a decline in his performance, a significant salary commitment for 2025, and a full no-trade clause, present considerable obstacles as the Cardinals aim to retool their roster and infuse youth into the team for the upcoming season.

Despite these hurdles, the evolving free-agent market could make Arenado a more attractive target for teams seeking to finalize their starting rosters. There are several franchises that could logically pursue a trade for Arenado, provided the Cardinals can negotiate effectively. Currently, Arenado's trade value appears diminished. At 33, he is likely headed for Cooperstown upon retirement but is coming off a season where he recorded a .272 batting average, an on-base percentage of .325, and a slugging percentage of .394, producing 23 doubles, 16 home runs, and 71 RBIs in 152 games. Advanced metrics reveal career-low averages in exit velocity (86.3 mph, 9th percentile), hard-hit rate (31.6%, 12th percentile), and expected slugging percentage (.356, 20th percentile). These figures do not bode well for his future viability.

Regardless, Arenado contributed a 2.5 WAR in 2024, maintaining value through his extensive history of production and the distinguished presence he brings as a veteran in the clubhouse. The primary concern lies in his financial obligations, with the Cardinals responsible for a payroll of $21 million in 2025, $16 million in 2026, and $15 million in 2027. To facilitate a trade, the Cardinals may need to absorb part of this remaining $52 million or bundle him with other assets such as closer Ryan Helsley or a promising prospect to secure a more favorable return.

Arenado's full no-trade clause adds another layer of complexity, as he previously exercised it to block a potential deal with the Houston Astros in December. With these considerations in mind, the following are ten teams identified as potential fits for Arenado as the 2025 season approaches.

1. New York Mets: While trading for Arenado may not be the Mets’ primary focus—re-signing Pete Alonso and acquiring Alex Bregman likely rank higher on their agenda—he could serve as a viable Plan C. If the Cardinals are willing to absorb a substantial portion of his salary, pairing him at third with Mark Vientos shifting to first base could greatly enhance the infield.

2. Washington Nationals: The Nationals represent a young, upward trending team with financial flexibility and a notable absence at the third-base position, making them a reasonable candidate for Arenado. However, his willingness to accept a trade to a team potentially still lacking in immediate contention is uncertain. A combined deal with Sonny Gray could hold appeal, although Gray appears inclined to remain in St. Louis, where he can utilize his own no-trade rights.

3. Kansas City Royals: The Royals are in need of a seasoned run producer to relieve some pressure off Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and Vinnie Pasquantino. Arenado would clearly be an improvement over the current third baseman Maikel García, who may fit better in a super-utility role for a competitive franchise. Whether the Royals are prepared to take on Arenado's remaining salary as he ages remains to be seen.

4. Los Angeles Angels: Recent reports indicate the Angels are open to acquiring an everyday third baseman, despite the presence of the expensive but injury-prone Anthony Rendon. Given that the Angels are one of Arenado's preferred destinations, it is likely he would not utilize his no-trade rights in this scenario. If the Angels are looking for a dark horse candidate to acquire Arenado, they could be a serious contender.

5. Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays are under pressure to make significant moves after missing out on Juan Soto. Their only relevant offseason addition has been the defensively skilled Andrés Giménez from the Guardians. Assuming Ernie Clement can transition to an outfield position, acquiring Arenado for third base could strengthen the lineup significantly, particularly as the Blue Jays have demonstrated a strong preference for defensive capabilities at the hot corner.

6. San Diego Padres: The Padres face gaps in left field and designated hitter position, where their internal options are predominantly untested. While a reunion with Jurickson Profar seems probable to address outfield needs, trading for Arenado could help manage Manny Machado’s workload. Machados’ move toward designated hitter—evidenced by his 51 DH appearances in 2024—indicates a growing necessity for depth in that area. Arenado’s inclusion would be a calculated win-now decision for the Padres, allowing them to maintain their competitive edge without sacrificing significant prospects.

7. Seattle Mariners: Despite boasting impressive starting rotation talent, the Mariners' lackluster offense ultimately kept them from playoff contention. With an alarming strikeout rate that surpassed 1,600 last season, enhancement in the lineup is crucial. Arenado's standout performance with a strikeout rate below 15 percent would offer a welcome change to a lineup desperately seeking more contact hitters while also filling a glaring need at third base.

8. New York Yankees: The Yankees are looking for flexibility within their infield, especially considering Jazz Chisholm Jr. could be positioned at either second or third base. With a void left by Gleyber Torres’ free agency, options are limited. The Yankees may covet the idea of acquiring both Arenado and All-Star closer Ryan Helsley, creating a focused and formidable back-end bullpen alongside Luke Weaver and newcomer Devin Williams.

9. Detroit Tigers: Initially tied to free agent Alex Bregman throughout the offseason, the Tigers could pivot to Arenado if Bregman signs elsewhere. This would provide a veteran presence to support an unexpectedly competitive young lineup. Although Jace Jung has potential, he appeared overmatched during his limited MLB action last year. For a Detroit team emerging as a contender sooner than anticipated, prioritizing Arenado's established productivity might be more beneficial than developing Jung.

10. Boston Red Sox: Recent reports suggest the Red Sox may be Arenado's last significant opportunity for a trade ahead of the 2025 season. Although the landscape of offseason deals is fluid and could shift with subsequent signings, the Red Sox remain a top contender. To adjust, the team would need to convince Rafael Devers to transition to designated hitter, or possibly explore trading Triston Casas for starting pitching help while moving Devers to first base. The Red Sox seem to be on the brink of making a significant move to finalize their offseason.