Nolan Arenado has been in MLB trade rumors over the last 365 days, but the St. Louis Cardinals haven’t completed a deal. Arenado has made the process more difficult with his full no-trade clause, but he has every right to use it for his advantage. Now, the Cardinals’ third baseman is being linked to an unexpected AL West team.
Arenado is a possibility for the Los Angeles Angels if they finalize a buyout with third baseman Anthony Rendon, as reported by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. The 34-year-old third baseman might be open to a move to the Angels, as he would play close to home for the first time in his MLB career.
In 2025, Arenado hit 12 home runs and drove in 52 runs over 107 games. It was the second time in the last 11 seasons that Arenado played less than 140 games. If the COVID-shortened season in 2020 is ignored, it would have been the first time since 2014.
Evaluating Nolan Arenado’s fit with the Los Angeles Angels
Arenado would likely be thrilled to play with the Angels in California, but it all comes down to Rendon. The 35-year-old third baseman signed a seven-year, $245 million contract starting in 2020, but hasn’t played over 60 games in a single season. In fact, Rendon didn’t even play during the 2025 campaign.
If the Angels and Rendon can finalize a buyout, it would pave the way for Arenado to become the team’s new third baseman. Arenado has two years left on his contract, but the Cardinals could pay for a significant chunk of the $31 million owed to him through 2027.
The offensive production has dipped for Arenado over the last few seasons, but anything would be better than Rendon’s lack of playing time. The St. Louis third baseman would provide Los Angeles with great defense and leadership, which would be excellent for the clubhouse environment.
Arenado would serve as the Angels’ third baseman for the next two seasons, giving the team some time to find a permanent solution at the position. If Arenado approves a trade to move closer to home, Los Angeles would be a great destination for the next two years.
