Nolan Arenado trade rumors: AL West possibility tied to World Series champion emerges

After spending five seasons at the hot corner for the Cardinals, Nolan Arenado's time in St. Louis might be at an end. Though Arenado is still a superb defender, there has been a significant slump in his ability at the plate, and the eleven-time World Series champions are reportedly looking to trade the veteran this winter.

Arenado's contract has proven to be a significant roadblock in the Cardinals' efforts of finding a landing spot. Still under team control for two more seasons, Arenado is owed $42 million, although the Colorado Rockies are still liable to pay some of that amount.

As popular content page "B/R Walk-Off" reported via X on Thursday, trading Arenado to the Los Angeles Angels could be a possibility.

"Nolan Arenado is a 'possibility' for the Angels if they reach a buyout agreement with Anthony Rendon, per @Ken_Rosenthal," the post was captioned.

According to the report, the outcome of the ongoing buyout negotiations between Anthony Rendon and the Angels will be key in such a deal materializing.

Right after winning the World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019, Anthony Rendon signed a seven-year, $245 million contract to join the Angels. Unfortunately for all parties involved, Rendon's stint in Anaheim has not gone to plan, with the infielder struggling mightily for both consistency and fitness.

After the infielder missed the entirety of 2025 due to surgery for a left hip injury, the Angels are actively trying to buy out the final year of his contract, and this could open the door for Nolan Arenado's acquisition.

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"It really makes sense for everybody to find a different fit" - Cardinals POBO shares the organization's plans for Nolan Arenado's future

Making an appearance on Dec. 9's edition of "Front Office Insights," St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom stated the organization's position regarding Nolan Arenado's future.

"We've been open about this for a while now," Bloom said. "Nolan [Arenado] and I have had some great conversations towards the end of the season. "We sat down to talk through everything and I think we're on the same page to where it really makes sense for everybody to find a different fit and we're going to do that. We will find something that's going to work for us and something that would work for him. Releasing him is something that isn't an option."

Along with the Angels, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies could also be some teams that may be good fits for Arenado, according to MLB.com's Mike Patriello.

Edited by Raghav Mehta