Cardinals Star Nolan Arenado's List Shrinks After AL West Club Signs Christian Walker

The St. Louis slugger is officially off this club's wish-list

Jul 10, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images / Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

St. Louis Cardinals superstar infielder Nolan Arenado has been searching for a suitable traded destination but can't find the right spot.

Recent news indicated that Arenado blocked a trade to the Houston Astros despite the club being a perennial postseason contender for nine of the 10 previous seasons. The Cardinals were willing to eat $15-20 million of the eight-time All-Stars contract to move him.

Although Arenado blocked a trade to Houston, it remained possible that he could eventually be moved there. However, the Astros latest signing likely means the Cardinals third baseman will have to look elsewhere for a landing spot.

"Would almost certainly mean (Alex) Bregman is gone from Houston - and that (Nolan) Arenado won’t end up there," The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal wrote following the news that the Astros signed former Arizona Diamondbacks three-time Gold Glove defender Christian Walker. "Astros would go with Walker at first base and Isaac Paredes at 3B."

Would almost certainly mean Bregman is gone from Houston - and that Arenado won’t end up there. Astros would go with Walker at 1B and Isaac Paredes at 3B. https://t.co/imB3uo7epR

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 20, 2024

Rosenthal's post came before The Athletic's Jim Bowden reported that the deal between Houston and Walker has been completed but is pending a physical.

Arenado partially declined a blockbuster trade to the Astros, partially because he wanted to see where two-time World Series champion Bregman would sign.

With Bregman seemingly out of the picture for Houston, it's doubtful Arenado would accept a trade there. Besides, the five-time Silver Slugger didn't include the Astros on his list of teams he's open to be deal to.

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