The Failed Astros-Cardinals Trade: How Bad Timing Derailed the Nolan Arenado Deal
In the world of Major League Baseball, few trades stir up as much intrigue as the one that nearly sent Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies to the St. Louis Cardinals, with the Houston Astros playing a pivotal, but ultimately failed, role. The trade, which ultimately collapsed, illustrates how the timing of a deal can make all the difference in professional sports.
Nolan Arenado, one of baseball’s premier third basemen, was the focal point of the deal. He was a seven-time Gold Glove winner and a consistently powerful bat for the Rockies. Known for his elite defense and offensive consistency, Arenado was a valuable commodity, and it seemed inevitable that he would eventually be traded to a contender. The Cardinals, who had long been seeking a star third baseman, were seen as the perfect destination. However, the Astros’ involvement in this trade had a profound impact on its timing and eventual failure.
In 2020, Arenado’s name began circulating in trade rumors, and the Cardinals were one of the teams expressing interest in acquiring him. The Rockies, rebuilding after a string of disappointing seasons, were willing to part with their superstar, but only for the right return. The deal initially included the Astros, who were set to acquire a key piece from the Rockies to facilitate the trade to St. Louis. This would have made the trade a three-way deal, allowing the Cardinals to secure Arenado while the Astros received players or assets that could help them maintain their championship window.
However, the timing of the trade proved to be disastrous. In January 2021, just as discussions between the Rockies, Astros, and Cardinals were gaining momentum, the Astros were embroiled in the fallout from the 2017 sign-stealing scandal. The timing of the trade coincided with a period when the Astros were facing significant public scrutiny, both from fans and the media. In the wake of the scandal, the Astros’ reputation was at an all-time low. Their tarnished image made it difficult for them to make the kind of bold trades that could have bolstered their roster in a positive light.
Furthermore, the Astros were facing financial constraints as the 2021 season approached, with ownership wanting to avoid adding any substantial payroll commitments. This added pressure meant that the Astros were hesitant to take on additional salary obligations or make any trades that could have further alienated the fanbase.
By the time the Astros decided to step back from the deal, the Rockies were forced to reassess their position. With the Astros out of the picture, the deal ultimately fell apart, and Arenado was traded to the Cardinals directly from the Rockies. The Cardinals, who had already been actively pursuing Arenado, were able to complete the trade without any additional teams involved.
The collapse of this trade demonstrates how external factors, including timing and circumstances surrounding the team
