This offseason, the St. Louis Cardinals began a long-awaited rebuilding process. They started by allowing many veteran pitchers, including Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson, depart in free agency. They then allowed Paul Goldschmidt to leave in free agency. Goldschmidt won the National League MVP award only two seasons ago.
St. Louis is now looking to trade star third baseman Nolan Arenado in order to avoid paying his massive deal. However, the Arenado trade is fairly intricate. This is not just because he is owed more than $50 million over the next three seasons, which the Cardinals are apparently unwilling to pay more than $20 million for, but also because his contract includes a no-trade clause.
The Los Angeles Angels may be the only team he’s willing to deal to right now. The Boston Red Sox have already signed Alex Bregman, eliminating the possibility of a trade. Some of the other top choices no longer make sense. The Angels could be the final chance to complete a deal.
Cardinals-Angels trade could be St. Louis’ last opportunity to deal Nolan Arenado
A deal with the Angels would have to be a very great trade for Los Angeles, or they would simply let him stay with St. Louis. The Cardinals would be desperate.
This trade would send Arenado and $10 million to the Angels in exchange for shortstop prospect Capri Ortiz.
Ortiz, 19, has the potential to become a star over time. The 6-foot-tall switch-hitting shortstop is one of the fastest prospects in baseball. He’s stolen 68 bases in just over 200 minor league games. He also has some solid tools, such as a decent hit tool, as well as strong fielding and arm abilities.
This agreement makes sense for both parties. The Cardinals may not receive a top prospect in return, but they will save roughly $50 million on Arenado’s contract. The Angels would be acquiring a talented third baseman to help them pursue a postseason berth in 2025. This is a win-win situation.
