Bernie Show: Arenado & The Rolling Stones

The Bernie Miklasz Show

The Cardinals are testing the trade market to gauge interest in third baseman Nolan Arenado. He'll be 34 in the spring, he's stuck in a glaring two-year decline phase, and he's owed $74 million in guaranteed salary over the next three seasons. Plus, Arenado has full no-trade protection and can veto any trade proposal.

Given that combination of factors the Cardinals won't get what they want for Arenado. The trade return would likely be modest. The amount of Arenado salary they'd have to absorb would likely be significant. And if they can't pull off a trade, then Arenado would stay a third base and block the opportunity for a younger player (Norman Gorman) or two (Thomas Saggese) to get a significant playing time there. And if third base isn't open, then how do the Cardinals carry out there plan to go with young players in 2025? As long as Arenado occupies third base, no young player can take over at the hot spot.

From Arenado's standpoint, he's said to be willing to play first base (or less third base) as part of a trade to a contending team. That information was reported by Katie Woo of The Athletic. This just reaffirms what we already know: Arenado would like to be traded for a chance to be with a team that has a great shot of making the playoffs. Losing doesn't fit him very well. It is bad for his peace of mind and mental health. But if he wants to get to a new baseball home for a chance to win in his remaining years, he can't veto every trade that's placed in front of him.

Bottom line: for a deal to get done, the Cardinals and Arenado must be realistic. And if they won't be realistic, then they're stuck with one another. And it won't be pleasant for either side. The Cardinals may not get what they want. Arenado may not get what he wants. But the Cardinals and Arenado can get what they need.

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