The St. Louis Cardinals could trade multiple All-Stars in the their first offseason under new president Chaim Bloom and are likely to sell low on third baseman Nolan Arenado after actively trying to trade the eight-time All-Star for the past 12 months.
Starting pitcher Sonny Gray and utilityman Brendan Donovan are also expected to draw interest, and Bloom openly discussed the possibility of trading Gray, who is due $35 million in 2026.
“He signed here for a reason, and I think he’s been happy,” Bloom said of Gray at MLB’s general manager meetings. “He’s also in a situation where he’s more open than he would have been in the past to thinking about different possibilities with where he’s at in his career and understanding our focus is more long term.”
Donovan was an All-Star last season and finished the year with a .287 average and 42 extra-base hits. Outfielder Lars Nootbaar, who made $2.95 million in 2025 is another player the Cardinals could trade for prospects.
Nolan Arenado trade finally coming?
The Cardinals have been trying to trade Arenado for a year now, with the 10-time Gold Glove winner using his no-trade clause to nix a deal with the Houston Astros last winter.
And finding a trade partner this offseason won’t be easy with Arenado coming worst year of his career, batting .237 with a .666 OPS with 12 home runs in 401 at-bats. He’s earning $42 million over the next two seasons – with $5 million being paid by the Colorado Rockies – and St. Louis will have to eat a significant portion of Arenado’s salary in any trade.
“We are on the same page with Nolan,” Bloom said. “I believe he’s going to the Hall of Fame. One of the better players in the history of the game. We all feel like it’s best to find a different fit. So, obviously, we’ll work on that with him. If and when that will happen, I don’t know. But it’s something that he’s been a total pro about.”
Sonny Gray contract limiting trade partners?
Bloom said the Cardinals have “definitely been listening” on Gray, a three-time All-Star at age 36. The right-hander had a 4.28 ERA in 32 starts last season, his second year with St. Louis.
“It’s not a surprise. I mean, he’s still one of the better pitchers in the league. We value him very highly,” Bloom said. “Just with where we are and thinking long term, we’ve talked to him, and I think we all feel like there might be something that makes sense, but we’ll continue to explore that.”
Gray’s $35 million salary for 2026 – plus a $5 million buyout on his $30 million 2027 option – is steep for potential suitors.
