Cardinals stir trade speculation with Arenado, Gray, and Donovan in the spotlight
The St. Louis Cardinals are poised for a transformative offseason, and while there’s chatter about several players departing, the focus is also on who might stick around. Among the veterans generating buzz are stalwarts Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray, alongside Brendan Donovan, who has emerged as another key name in trade discussions.
Trade Talks Heat Up
As the offseason progresses, rumors have intensified surrounding potential roster changes. Derrick Goold, a seasoned insider with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, recently commented on the situation following the General Manager Meetings in Las Vegas. He noted that the Cardinals’ new president of baseball operations, Chaim Bloom, along with the team’s assistant general managers, made it clear that they are actively exploring trade options.
Goold emphasized, “They are all ears. Offers welcome.” This openness to discussions suggests a willingness to shake up the roster. The Cardinals have indicated that their pursuit of free agents this winter will largely depend on clearing salary through trades. They are shopping for pitching and looking toward the future, signaling a strategic pivot.
Players on the Block
The Cardinals are reportedly open to offers for several players, including Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, and JoJo Romero—all of whom are nearing free agency. Additionally, they are exploring potential trade scenarios for both Arenado and Gray. This approach has caught the attention of fans, particularly those invested in the future direction of the franchise.
Contreras’ Status Remains Uncertain
Interestingly absent from these trade discussions is Willson Contreras, who signed a lucrative five-year, $87.5 million contract with the Cardinals, which still has two seasons remaining and a club option for 2028. His exclusion from trade rumors raises questions about the team’s intentions. If the Cardinals are serious about offloading salary, moving Contreras could provide a substantial opportunity given his status as a three-time All-Star and one of the more formidable right-handed hitters in the National League.
At 33 years old, one might expect that finding a trade partner for Contreras would be more feasible than for veterans like Gray and Arenado. However, he, too, holds a no-trade clause and has expressed a desire to remain with the organization. Back in September, Contreras articulated his commitment to being part of the Cardinals’ journey, though he has also indicated a willingness to consider trades if the situation aligns with his interests.
The Future is Fluid
As the offseason unfolds, the swirling rumors surrounding the Cardinals reflect a franchise at a crossroads. While Contreras’ name has stayed out of the spotlight for now, the landscape of MLB trades can shift rapidly. For Cardinals fans, the developments in the coming weeks promise to be both intriguing and pivotal for the team’s future.
