The St. Louis Cardinals intend to alleviate huge payroll burdens this winter as they seek to rebuild and reset. Several stars, including Sonny Gray and Ryan Helsley, are expected to be traded this winter to help the Cardinals’ front office reduce salary. Another beloved St. Louis player on the trade block could be traded to the National League East in an unexpected blockbuster with the Philadelphia Phillies.
“He (Nolan Arenado) could be an ideal fit with the Phillies, particularly if, as rumored, they’re willing to trade Alec Bohm,” MLB.com’s Will Leitch said on Wednesday while analyzing the Cardinals’ offseason plans. “Arenado is not even that pricey, with three years and $74 million remaining on his contract (excluding the portion paid by the Colorado Rockies). Are you planning on aiming to win the World Series during the next three seasons? Arenado can definitely help with that.”
Arenado joined the Cardinals in 2021, hoping to help St. Louis win its 12th World Series victory following eight seasons with the Rockies, during which time the team made the playoffs twice. Unfortunately, Arenado’s opportunity to win a championship in St. Louis is closing. With the Cardinals beginning on a youth movement, it could be a while before they make the playoffs, let alone win the World Series.
Philadelphia third baseman Bohm performed so poorly in the playoffs this year that trading for Arenado to replace him at the hot corner would be worthwhile. The 10-time Gold Glove defender’s history speaks for itself, and if the Phillies want to improve their squad from last season, trading Bohm for Arenado would be a good start.
