**Cardinals’ Surprising Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray Trade Stance: Team Signals Willingness to Move Stars**
In an unexpected turn of events, the St. Louis Cardinals have revealed a surprising shift in their trade stance regarding two of their top players—third baseman Nolan Arenado and starting pitcher Sonny Gray. Sources inside the organization have indicated that the Cardinals are now open to trading both stars, a move that has caught many across Major League Baseball off guard.
Arenado, a perennial All-Star and one of the best third basemen in the game, has long been considered one of the cornerstones of the Cardinals’ lineup since joining the team in a blockbuster trade in 2021. With five Gold Gloves and a reputation for clutch hitting, Arenado has been a key figure in the team’s success. However, team executives are reportedly exploring the possibility of moving Arenado to jumpstart a rebuilding effort, as the team has struggled to remain competitive in recent seasons.
The decision to entertain trade discussions regarding Arenado is a major departure from the Cardinals’ prior stance. Just a year ago, the team had seemed committed to building around the 33-year-old veteran, who is signed through the 2027 season with a lucrative contract. However, after another disappointing season in 2024, the Cardinals are reportedly reassessing their long-term plans and have indicated that they could be open to listening to offers for the star slugger.
“We’re in a place where we have to look at all options,” one Cardinals insider said. “The reality is, we need to start thinking about the future, and trading a player of Nolan’s caliber could give us the pieces to turn things around more quickly than we could through free agency or the draft.”
Similarly, the Cardinals’ stance on Sonny Gray, who has been a steady and reliable presence in the starting rotation since joining the team last year, has also shifted. Despite Gray’s impressive performance in 2024—posting a solid ERA and securing key victories—sources indicate that the Cardinals are open to moving the 35-year-old if the right deal comes along.
Gray, who is under contract for one more season before hitting free agency, could be a valuable piece for a contender looking for an experienced starting pitcher to bolster their rotation. The Cardinals are said to be seeking top-tier prospects or a combination of prospects and young major-league talent in exchange for both Arenado and Gray.
The revelation that the Cardinals are willing to entertain offers for two of their most marketable assets has sent shockwaves through the MLB landscape. While this could signal the beginning of a rebuild in St. Louis, it also presents an opportunity for other teams to acquire star talent with a mix of both immediate and future potential.
As the trade rumors swirl, the coming weeks will be critical for the Cardinals’ front office. The fate of Arenado and Gray is likely to be a major storyline throughout the offseason, and teams across the league are expected to monitor the situation closely. One thing is clear: the Cardinals’ willingness to trade their stars represents a bold shift in direction for the storied franchise.
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