Nolan Arenado is willing to approve six-team trade

As Nolan ArenadoNew York’s trade market continues to simmer, with the no-trade clause in the third baseman’s contract giving Arenado and his camp the choice of whether or not he leaves the Cardinals. John Denton of MLB.com reports that Arenado would agree to a deal with the Angels, Dodgers, Padres, Phillies, Mets or Red Sox. It’s unknown if these are the only six clubs on Arenado’s “wish list,” as Denton calls it, or if Arenado might be open to contracts with other clubs under the right circumstances.

Agent Joel Wolfe discussed his client’s situation with reporters (including Denton, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat and Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch) at the winter meetings today, suggesting that Arenado’s list of potential teams “bigger than you think.“The main factor in Arenado’s decision-making is finding.”a team he believes will win consistently now and for the rest of his career. He wants a team that’s going all out… and that he believes he can jump in right away and win right away.”

With this in mind, Wolfe noted that Arenado “I won’t go just to go,” or “approve his family and move and go play somewhere he would… avoid” into a situation no better than its current location in St. Louis. Wolfe said he and Arenado were in regular dialogue with John Mozeliak, the Cardinals’ president of baseball operations, with Mozeliak breaking up some teams that were already considered “dismissed.”hard no’s where he would prefer not to go.”

Previous reports suggested that three undisclosed “mid-tier” clubs were also interested in Arenado’s services, so they could be some of the teams Arenado has already vetoed since the six teams on his list are bigger spenders . The Yankees have also been linked to reports from Arenado and Goold that the Cardinals were in contact with the Bronx Bombers about the third baseman. As Jones notes, the Yankees appear to be a fit on paper, considering their need at third base and the presence of Arenado’s good friend and old Rockies teammates DJ LeMahieubut it remains to be seen whether the Yankees are still on Arenado’s radar.

New York’s other team could also have a chance at the hot corner, depending on what the Mets decide Mark Vientosor whether or not the Mets will re-sign Pete Alonso or add another big first base bat. The Phillies also have an incumbent third baseman Alec Boehmbut Bohm’s name has been mentioned in several trade rumors as Philadelphia is reportedly poised for a move to the big leagues to address other needs.

The Red Sox and Padres were more speculatively linked as suitors a few weeks ago, and Goold reports that St. Louis has already been in contact with those two clubs regarding Arenado. Boston’s interest could depend on whether or not they would move Rafael Devers outside third base, while Arenado’s own apparent willingness to give up his longtime position at third base may be related to his interest in joining the Padres (since San Diego already has a star third baseman). Manny Machado).

Wolfe accepted his client’s offer of a position change to forestall uncomfortable questions from a team on the topic. “The way he put it, “I play first,” sometimes (teams) don’t want to ask a player to do thatsaid Wolfe. “So he wanted to offer it up and say, ‘I’m happy playing first, I can move around and play third.’ Nolan was like, ‘I’ll play shortstop, I’ll do anything, but I won’t be offended if I.’ “Go play first, and I can win a Gold Glove over there if that’s what it takes.” ”

Since Arenado is from Southern California, it should not be overlooked that the Padres, Dodgers and Angels are all on his eligibility list, although Wolfe said Arenado has no geographic preference for his next destination. One could argue that the Angels could be on Arenado’s list based on their location alone, as a team that has lost nine straight seasons hardly seems to fit Arenado’s preference for a team ready to win.

A move to the Dodgers appears to be off the table, as The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo have learned from sources that “a deal for Arenado is not a possibility the organization has considered.” General Manager of LA Brandon Gomes I said that specifically on Monday Max Muncy would remain the team’s regular third baseman, and a position change wouldn’t do much to help Arenado find a spot among the Dodgers’ crowded infield.

It remains to be seen whether or not one of Arenado’s preferred teams will want to sign the eight-time All-Star, although even if interest is mutual, negotiating a trade is acceptable to the Cardinals. Further complications include Arenado’s age (he turns 34 in April), his waning power over the last two seasons and the $74 million salary ($10 million covered by the Rockies) for the remaining three years of his contract.