Cardinals' Nolan Arenado trade depends on potential Eugenio Suarez deal

Less than a week from the MLB trade deadline, the St. Louis Cardinals are poised to be sellers. While Ryan Helsley, Phil Maton, and Steven Matz are the obvious trade candidates, there's another player to monitor: Nolan Arenado.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Cardinals could look to move on from Arenado at the deadline. But a deal depends on one thing: whether or not Arizona Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suarez is dealt or not.

"... but a source said some of the other clubs pursuing Suarez could pivot to Arenado if they miss out on the Arizona slugger." Feinsand writes. 

After Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon was traded to the New York Yankees, the third baseman trade market took a hit. St. Louis, amid the dwindling market, could capitalize and move Arenado for a solid return at the deadline.

This past offseason, the Cardinals had already tried to move Arenado. But, with his full no-trade clause, he vetoed a deal to the Houston Astros. Houston isn't interested in Arenado anymore, but some teams could be interested in the 10-time Gold Glover.

But, even if the Cardinals try to move Arenado, according to this report from Feinsand, it hinges upon a trade of Suarez at the deadline. Fortunately, there are plenty of teams interested in adding a third baseman at the deadline this season.

MORE: Cardinals' Ryan Helsley receives bold trade deadline prediction from MLB teams

The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, both looking to add Suarez, wouldn't be suitors for Arenado. But the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, and Seattle Mariners all could be in the market for Arenado if they miss on Suarez.

Aside from his 36 home runs, Suarez has a .898 OPS on the year with 87 RBIs. Meanwhile, Arenado has 10 home runs, 43 RBIs, and an OPS of .663. His OPS is over .200 points lower than Suarez; there's a huge difference in offensive production.

This big difference, even though Arenado is a significantly better defender, results in the current situation where teams will pivot to Arenado only if they miss on Suarez.

With so many teams interested in Suarez, some team is sure to look to St. Louis for their third base trade deadline acquisition. Under control through 2027, Arenado is more than just a rental.

But, aside from Suarez's destination at the deadline determining what the Cardinals do with Arenado, he also has to agree to a deal. He could invoke his no-trade clause like he did in the offseason, adding another complicated layer for a team looking to acquire him at the deadline.

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