The St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly been exploring trade options for third baseman Nolan Arenado for several months. However, negotiations have been complicated by Arenado’s full no-trade clause. According to MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic, one surprising trade scenario involves sending Arenado to the Detroit Tigers. Although Arenado has approved trades to six teams, the Tigers are not currently among them.
Bowden proposed the following trade:
Detroit Tigers receive: 3B Nolan Arenado
St. Louis Cardinals receive: RHP Josh Randall, 3B Carson Rucker
“Arenado holds full control over his destination due to his no-trade clause and hasn’t signaled any willingness to go to Detroit,” Bowden wrote. “That said, he might be open to reconsidering if given the chance to join a playoff-contending Tigers team, known for having one of MLB’s strongest starting rotations.”
At 34, Arenado is putting up solid numbers this season, hitting .254 with a .341 on-base percentage and .402 slugging (.108 OPS+), along with nine doubles and three home runs. He remains a top-tier defender, ranking in the 92nd percentile for range at third base. His experience and leadership could greatly benefit a young Tigers roster.
If Arenado does agree to a trade to Detroit, the deal could make a lot of sense. The Tigers were reportedly aggressive in their pursuit of third baseman Alex Bregman but missed out, making Arenado a logical fallback option to boost their division hopes. Still, the trade hinges entirely on whether Arenado is willing to waive his no-trade clause for Detroit.
