The Houston Astros are reportedly rekindling trade discussions for Nolan Arenado after the St. Louis Cardinals third baseman previously rejected a near-complete deal in December.
The Athletic’s Katie Woo recently reported the original trade was at the “1-yard line” before Arenado exercised his no-trade clause to block the move, despite the Astros being on his short list of approved teams.
“The Cardinals and Astros had agreed on the framework of a deal, one in which Houston would pay most of Arenado’s remaining salary,” according to Woo. “Per multiple sources familiar with the proposed deal, the Cardinals would pay roughly $15 million of Arenado’s salary — around 25 percent of their remaining commitment — over the next three years, well satisfying ownership’s desire to decrease payroll.”
Arenado has three years and $74 million remaining on his contract.
Initially, Arenado expressed concerns about Houston’s direction following the trade of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and the looming departure of two-time World Series champion Alex Bregman. After Arenado rejected the trade, the Astros pivoted to sign first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million contract.
Houston Astros reportedly interested in trading for Nolan Arenado once again
MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, Mark Feinsand, and John Denton report the Astros are now making another attempt to acquire Arenado.
“With a full no-trade clause in his contract, Arenado will have the final say over where he goes – or whether he goes at all, but he’s expected to be traded prior to Opening Day, a source said.”
If Arenado joins Houston, he would take over at third base, while All-Star Isaac Paredes, acquired from the Cubs in the Tucker trade, would shift to second base. Former American League MVP Jose Altuve would then transition to left field.
While Arenado’s production has declined over the last two seasons – posting a 108 OPS+ and 101 OPS+, respectively – a move to Houston could benefit him, as he could take advantage of the short left field porch at Minute Maid Park.
Over 12 MLB seasons, Arenado has compiled Hall of Fame numbers: 341 home runs, an .857 OPS, 120 OPS+, 56.7 bWAR, and 10 Gold Gloves.
Related: Why St. Louis Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado surprisingly rejected Houston Astros trade at ‘1-yard line’
