The National League Central has arguably been one of the most winnable divisions over the past few seasons. Since 2022, 93 wins has gotten it done. That may well be the case once again in 2025 given how topsy-turvy the offseason has gone for all five teams in the NL Central.

But one club who’s been the most peculiar this winter has been the St. Louis Cardinals.  this offseason and declared a number of key players up for grabs.

 earlier this offseason, but after Cincinnati re-signed Nick Martinez and traded for Brady Singer, that ship has probably sailed. But the Cardinals are still looking to get rid of several big contracts still on the books; one of which is third baseman Nolan Arenado.

After spurning the Astros, Reds’ bitter foe Nolan Arenado reveals he’d prefer to play for the Red Sox

Arenado almost landed with the Houston Astros last month. The 10-time Gold Glove Award-winner, however, didn’t want to go to Space City. Arenado’s contract contains a no-trade clause, and he invoked it in order to stay put in St. Louis.

But that doesn’t mean that Arenado will begin the year with the Cardinals. In fact, Chris Cotillo of Mass Live for the 33-year-old.

Despite that fact that Arenado has endured back-to-back down-years, the eight-time All-Star has consistently been a thorn in the Reds’ side since arriving in the Gateway City. Even last season, which was arguably Arenado’s worst since being traded from the Colorado Rockies in 2021, he still hit .273/.319/.546 against the Reds.

For his career, Arenado owns a .924 OPS in 101 games against Cincinnati with 25 home runs and 67 RBI. With Paul Goldschmidt already off to the Bronx, it sure would be nice if Arenado didn’t reside in the NL Central next season either.

Arenado may be waiting to see where free agent third baseman Alex Bregman lands before becoming more amenable to a trade. If St. Louis is unable to shed Arenado’s salary this offseason, they may pivot and attempt to in order to lower their payroll.