After finding a resolution on Anthony Rendon's contract status for the 2026 season, the immediate takeaway was that the Los Angeles Angels could be a potential suitor for Nolan Arenado. Trade talks between the two teams didn't go very far, considering Arenado had no interest in playing for the Angels, and Los Angeles wasn't willing to take on his contract.
Arenado has been eyeing the idea of playing for a contender on the West Coast, but he has often been connected to the Los Angeles Dodgers. With no interest reported on the Dodgers' end, it seemed that the Cardinals may have reached a point where they would start considering the idea of just releasing the veteran third baseman.