Cardinals' Chaim Bloom predicted to make tough Nolan Arenado decision

Cardinals' Chaim Bloom predicted to make tough Nolan Arenado decision originally appeared on The Sporting News

The St. Louis Cardinals are heading into a pivotal offseason. With the president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, stepping down, and Chaim Bloom taking over, a lot of changes could be on the horizon for the Cardinals.

Some of those changes could be in the team's approach to free agency or how they call up prospects. But the most likely change coming is how Bloom handles the veterans on the roster.

With a crowded group of position players, Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report predicts that Bloom will look to trade Nolan Arenado in the offseason, as he's one of the most likely players to be dealt after the 2025 season comes to a close.

"The Cardinals are turning over a new leaf with their transition from John Mozeliak to Chaim Bloom calling the shots," Miller writes, "and they want to clear the deck and start over fresh with eyes on the future instead of these expensive relics from the past."

Miller predicts that, aside from Arenado, both Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras could be dealt in the offseason. While all three have no-trade clauses, Arenado is the one who's most likely to waive his no-trade clause.

He didn't waive it this year, and even used it to veto a deal to the Houston Astros in the offseason. But Arenado might be more open to it than before, as Bloom could look to sell some of their veterans and enter a miniature rebuild in the offseason.

MORE: Cardinals' Oli Marmol provides bleak Nolan Arenado injury update

While Arenado hasn't been at his best this season offensively, and he's currently hurt, his defense is still elite, and he could easily return to form offensively. Getting a veteran Arenado, for a fairly reasonable $16 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027, would be a good way for another team to bolster their lineup and secure a third baseman.

Of course, Arenado would have to be willing to go to said team. But with the Cardinals looking to younger players, his spot on the roster isn't certain, and finding a trade partner makes a lot of sense for everyone involved.

The 10-time Gold Glove third baseman would receive interest from teams if he were made available. With Bloom potentially looking to make the roster his own, an Arenado trade makes a lot of sense.

Completing a trade is easier said than done, thanks to the no-trade clause. But, with the writing on the wall that St. Louis might be entering a soft rebuild, Arenado might be more willing to waive his no-trade clause than ever before.

If he does, then Miller's prediction that Arenado is one of the most likely players to be traded during the offseason would come true. Once the offseason begins, any Arenado trade rumors will be ones to follow closely, as he's a top trade chip this season. 

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