HOUSTON, Texas – The Houston Astros re-engaged in trade talks with the St. Louis Cardinals for Nolan Arenado, a league source confirms MLB.com’s report.
The Astros tried to trade for Arenado earlier in the offseason before they signed first baseman Christian Walker, but the deal was reportedly stalled by Arenado’s refusal to waive his no-trade clause.
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If the Astros can get a deal done for the 10-time Gold Glover, he would replace Alex Bregman at third base, moving Isaac Paredes to second base, with Jose Altuve in left field. Altuve has been practicing almost exclusively in the outfield in spring training.
Arenado is coming off a down season in 2024, hitting just 16 home runs with an OPS+ of 101. Arenado’s career OPS+ is 120. Arenado’s contract would likely push the Astros into the luxury tax, dependent on how much money the Cardinals would be willing to pay down. Arenado is owed a luxury tax salary of $25.55 million, per Spotrac.
Houston is currently sitting at around $236.1 million in payroll, according to Cot’s Contracts, which is roughly $5 million under the competitive balance tax threshold. Jim Crane paid about $6.4 million in luxury taxes in 2024, according to ESPN.
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