The trade rumors surrounding Nolan Arenado are heating up, and it looks like the eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner may be closer than ever to finding a new home. As the St. Louis Cardinals look to free themselves of Arenado’s hefty contract, a potential suitor has emerged: the Detroit Tigers.
Detroit’s Need for Right-Handed Power
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports that the Tigers are a team to watch in the Arenado sweepstakes. With Detroit looking to add right-handed power to their lineup, Arenado could be an ideal fit. What’s more, Arenado has signaled his willingness to shift positions, which would make him even more valuable for a Tigers team that needs flexibility.
The Tigers’ interest in Arenado comes at a time when they are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, but with an eye on contending in the near future. While Arenado’s primary position is third base, the 33-year-old has offered to move off of his familiar spot in order to help his new team’s roster construction—potentially opening the door for a move to first base.
The Financials: A Complicated Trade
Of course, any deal involving a player of Arenado’s caliber comes with significant financial considerations. Arenado is still owed a substantial sum from the eight-year, $260 million contract he signed with the Colorado Rockies in 2019. The Cardinals would likely need to eat some of the remaining salary in order to facilitate a trade, and Morosi reports that the Tigers would likely ask for cash to be included in the deal to help offset Arenado’s salary.
Arenado is set to make $21 million in 2025, $16 million in 2026, and $15 million in 2027, with a luxury tax hit of $25.555 million per season. The contract also includes $44 million in deferred money, which will continue to be paid through 2041. This contract structure makes Arenado a somewhat tricky asset to move, but given his pedigree, it’s clear why the Cardinals are hoping to find a taker.
Arenado’s Recent Struggles: A Change of Scenery Could Be the Solution
Though he remains one of the premier defensive players in the game, Arenado’s offensive production has dipped in recent years. In 2024, he posted a career-low .719 OPS, a far cry from the MVP-caliber seasons he had earlier in his career. His .272/.325/.394 slash line with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs was well below his usual standard, and it marked the second consecutive season in which he struggled by his own lofty expectations.
A fresh start in Detroit could be just what Arenado needs to revive his bat and return to form. With a strong defensive reputation and a track record of hitting in both Colorado and St. Louis, a move to the Tigers might offer Arenado the change of scenery he needs to rediscover his elite production.
Detroit’s New Look?
For the Tigers, Arenado’s arrival would be a statement move. While they have some promising young talent, adding an established star like Arenado could significantly bolster their lineup, particularly if he’s able to return to form offensively. The question will be whether the Tigers are willing to take on the financial burden, especially considering the deferred money on Arenado’s deal. However, if the Cardinals are willing to eat some of the salary, the trade could be a win-win for both sides.
If Arenado moves to first base, Detroit would have the flexibility to slot him into a spot where his bat could help balance their lineup. His elite defense, especially if he’s still able to play third, would also improve the Tigers’ infield, making the team better both offensively and defensively.
Is Detroit the Right Fit for Arenado?
While a change of scenery seems inevitable for Arenado, the Tigers appear to be a natural fit. They are in need of a reliable bat, especially from the right side of the plate, and Arenado’s willingness to adjust to first base opens up a world of possibilities. If the deal can be worked out financially, Arenado could be donning a Tigers uniform by 2025, giving the team a legitimate veteran presence in the lineup and a future Hall of Famer to lead their charge back into contention.
As the winter months progress and the MLB offseason unfolds, expect to hear more about Arenado’s future. For now, Detroit remains one of the most likely landing spots for the talented third baseman.
