Nolan Arenado, at 33 years old, finds himself in a precarious position with the St. Louis Cardinals. With $74 million still owed over the next three seasons, the team's attempts to trade him have been hindered by his no-trade clause. Recently, Arenado vetoed a potential move to the Houston Astros, leaving him as the Cardinals' third baseman for now. His performance has shown a decline, making him a risky acquisition for any team. The remaining years of his contract, coupled with his reduced power output, present significant challenges for both Arenado and the Cardinals.

Arenado's Contract Conundrum

As Nolan Arenado approaches his mid-30s, the financial obligations tied to his contract loom large. Signed to an eight-year, $260 million extension before 2019, Arenado is set to receive $74 million over the next three seasons. Despite the Colorado Rockies covering part of this sum, the majority—$64 million—will be paid by the Cardinals or any future trading partner. This substantial financial burden complicates trade negotiations, especially given Arenado's recent performance dip.

The specifics of Arenado's contract add another layer of complexity. Over the next three years, he is due payments of $32 million in 2025, $27 million in 2026, and $15 million in 2027, with deferrals extending through 2041. The Rockies agreed to pay $5 million each in 2025 and 2026, but the bulk of the financial responsibility falls on the Cardinals. Trading Arenado would require a team willing to take on this significant payroll hit, which has proven difficult. Even the now-vetoed deal with the Astros required the Cardinals to sweeten the pot with an additional $15-20 million.

Performance Decline and Trade Prospects

Arenado's declining performance adds to the challenges surrounding his future. At 34, he may be nearing the twilight of his MLB career, particularly if his current trend continues. This year, he posted a career-low slugging percentage of .394 and hit just 16 home runs, the fewest since his debut in 2013. While a resurgence is not impossible—he finished third in MVP voting two seasons ago—the risk associated with acquiring him is considerable.

Teams looking to bolster their roster are wary of taking on Arenado's contract, especially with his decreased offensive production. The Astros' interest was likely a one-off opportunity, and they have since moved on, signing Christian Walker and acquiring Isaac Paredes to solidify their infield for 2025. Other potential suitors, like the New York Yankees, have shown little interest. As a result, Arenado remains with the Cardinals, facing an uncertain future in professional baseball. The combination of his age, performance decline, and expensive contract makes finding a suitable trade destination increasingly challenging.