The Houston Astros face a significant void at third base with homegrown slugger Alex Bregman testing free agency. While a reunion is plausible, it’s far from guaranteed. Should Bregman sign elsewhere, could general manager Dana Brown explore a trade for St. Louis Cardinals star Nolan Arenado? The veteran third baseman will be entering his age-34 season in 2025 and has shown signs of decline. After back-to-back 30-homer, 100-RBI campaigns in 2021-22, his production has dipped over the past two years. In 2024, Arenado slashed .272/.325/.394 across 635 plate appearances, hitting 16 home runs, 23 doubles, and driving in 71 runs with 70 runs scored. His .719 OPS was his lowest since his rookie season with the Rockies in 2013.
Despite his decline, Arenado remains an eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, still capable of contributing to a contender. His name has already surfaced in offseason trade rumors, with CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry suggesting the Astros could be a potential fit. “He (Arenado) remains a standout defender at the hot corner,” Perry noted, adding that his 2024 offensive production, while diminished, still holds value, especially when paired with his defense. Perry also highlighted Arenado’s tendency to pull the ball, which could play well with Houston’s short left-field porch.
Arenado is under contract through 2027 on an eight-year, $260 million extension originally signed with the Rockies. However, given his declining offense, the Cardinals might need to cover part of his salary to make a deal viable for interested teams. Having waived his no-trade clause once to join St. Louis, Arenado could potentially do so again under the right circumstances. If Bregman leaves, Arenado could be a compelling alternative for the Astros to consider.
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