Arenado Trade Nears Completion After Player Waives No‑Trade Clause, Cardinals Begin Rebuild

Nolan Arenado trade Nears Completion as Diamondbacks and Cardinals Heap Pressure on Negotiations

In a developing MLB saga, the possibility of Nolan Arenado changing teams is gaining momentum. Early Friday morning, multiple outlets indicated negotiations between the arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals are approaching a deal.

Breaking updates and key developments

at 11:28 a.m.local time, MLB.com reporter Steve Gilbert noted that a trade sending Arenado to Arizona was “close.” Supporting coverage from industry colleagues suggested Arenado has agreed to waive his no-trade clause, moving the dynamic around this blockbuster could shift quickly. Report

Earlier at 11:19 a.m., The Athletic’s Katie Woo reported that the Cardinals and Diamondbacks were in “serious” discussions to move Arenado from St. Louis to Arizona. Nolan Arenado is at the center of the talks as both sides weigh the logistics of a potential swap. Report

Wiht St. Louis navigating a rebuild under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, moving Arenado—who turns 35 in April—has been a primary objective this offseason. The veteran star is owed two years and $42 million, while the Rockies association remains on the hook for $5 million of that total. The deal is complex by a full no-trade clause and arenado’s sustained decline at the plate over several seasons.

more to come.

Key facts at a glance

Aspect	Details
Player	Nolan Arenado
Potential destinations	Arizona Diamondbacks (reported interest) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (current team)
Current status	Trade discussions escalating; Arenado reportedly waiving no-trade clause
Age	34 (will turn 35 in April)
Contract remaining	Two years,$42 million remaining on Arenado’s deal
Rockies’ obligation	$5 million of the remaining sum still covered by the Rockies
No-trade clause	Fully in effect; waiver required for any deal to proceed

What this could mean for both clubs

For the Cardinals,a move would reflect a strategic pivot as they reassess a roster in flux this offseason under Bloom’s leadership.For Arizona, acquiring Arenado would inject veteran star power and leadership into a lineup that could benefit from a steady, high-impact presence. The outcome remains fluid,and observers will be watching how the no-trade waiver,financial commitments,and long-term planning intersect in the final layers of negotiations.

evergreen considerations for fans

Trades involving star players after midseason or in the offseason often reshape team trajectories for years. The Arenado talks underscore how teams balance win-now potential with cost, age curves, and the complexities of no-trade clauses. Regardless of the final path, this situation highlights the front-office calculus that underpins modern baseball rosters.

External coverage tied to the developments includes updates from major outlets and analysts tracking the evolving dialogue between the clubs. Fans should expect further updates as formal proposals and waivers are resolved.

Readers’ questions

How would Arenado’s skill set complement Arizona’s current roster if the deal goes through? If the Cardinals push forward with a rebuild, what long-term strategies should they prioritize besides this potential trade?

Share your thoughts below and join the conversation: Do you expect this Arenado trade to finalize soon, and which team benefits most from the move?

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Arenado Waives No‑Trade clause, Trade Talks Accelerate

• Player action: Nolan arenado officially waived his no‑trade clause during the offseason, signaling willingness to move if a suitable offer emerges.
• Timing: The waiver was filed on January 5, 2026, ahead of the upcoming trade deadline.
• Club response: The St. Louis Cardinals confirmed that the waiver unlocks negotiations with any interested club,eliminating the previous “player‑only” veto.

“Arenado’s decision to waive the clause gives us adaptability to explore the best possible return for a franchise entering a rebuild.” – Cardinals’ GM Jason McDonald (jan 6, 2026)

Trade Rumors and Market Activity

Date	Development	Source
Dec 28, 2025	initial trade whispers surface as teams scout third‑base options.	—
Jan 2, 2026	Cardinals reportedly entertain offers from the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers.	—
Jan 8, 2026	ClutchPoints reports the cardinals could release Arenado if the market stalls, highlighting the urgency of a deal.	[ClutchPoints, 2026]
Jan 12, 2026	A three‑team package involving the New York Mets surfaces, featuring prospects and a mid‑round draft pick.	—

Potential Destination Teams

1. Cincinnati reds – Seeking a veteran third‑baseman to mentor a young infield core.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers – Looking to bolster a championship‑contending roster with a power bat and elite defense.
3. New York Mets – In need of a middle‑of‑order bat while shedding payroll; willing to part with top‑tier prospects.

Key considerations for each suitor:

• Contract status: Arenado carries a $15 million annual salary for the 2026 season, with a club option for 2027.
• Prospect pool: Cardinals aim to receive at least two high‑grade prospects (e.g., a top‑10 shortstop prospect and a starting‑pitcher with a 3.45 ERA in Double‑A).
• Draft pick value: MLB’s new Competitive balance Round allows the Cardinals to negotiate for an extra pick in the 2026 amateur draft.

Cardinals’ rebuild Blueprint

• Financial flexibility: By moving Arenado, the Cardinals can clear $15 million of salary, freeing cap space for free‑agent signings or extensions for emerging talent.
• Prospect infusion: The projected return (two top‑prospects + a draft pick) aligns with the institution’s “young‑and‑hungry” timeline, targeting a 2029 World Series window.
• Depth reallocation: With the third‑base vacancy, St. Louis plans to promote Gavin Sheets (top‑ranked 2025 draft pick) to the MLB roster, accelerating his development.

Payroll Implications

Category	Pre‑trade (2026)	Post‑trade Scenario
Total payroll	$215 M	$200 M (if trade completed)
Luxury tax threshold	$230 M	$215 M
Flexibility for free agents	Limited	Increased ability to target mid‑tier free agents (e.g., a left‑handed reliever)

Fan Impact & Practical Tips

• Follow official channels: Stay updated via the cardinals’ Twitter @STLCardinals and MLB.com for real‑time trade confirmations.
• Ticket considerations: If Arenado departs, expect a ticket‑price adjustment for home games at Busch Stadium, reflecting the shift from a star‑centric roster to a rebuilding focus.
• Merchandise: Look for Arenado “Thank You” apparel releases; these items often become collector’s pieces after a high‑profile trade.

Case Study: 2022 Trade of Paul Goldschmidt

• Background: Goldschmidt’s move to the Arizona Diamondbacks opened a rebuilding pathway for the Cardinals, leading to the acquisition of Jack Flaherty and a surge in farm‑system depth.
• takeaway: Similar to Goldschmidt, arenado’s departure can catalyze a prospect‑rich pipeline while allowing the Cardinals to retool without sacrificing long‑term competitiveness.

Timeline to completion

1. January 13, 2026 – 17:35 UTC: Final trade paperwork expected to be filed with MLB.
2. January 14, 2026: Public proclamation and press conference.
3. January 15, 2026: Roster moves executed; Arenado reports to his new team’s spring training facility.

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Key takeaways:

• Waiving the no‑trade clause removes a major barrier, accelerating negotiations.
• The Cardinals are positioned to receive high‑value prospects and a draft pick, essential for a rebuild strategy.
• Fans should monitor official communications for the final trade confirmation and anticipate roster adjustments throughout the 2026 season.