The Houston Astros’ infield is set for a major transformation next season. Jose Altuve has been taking reps in left field, while the team bolstered its lineup by signing Christian Walker and acquiring Isaac Paredes in the Kyle Tucker trade. With Alex Bregman’s departure long anticipated, the Astros previously attempted to trade for Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Although Arenado initially rejected a trade to Houston in December, the Astros are reportedly renewing their pursuit of the eight-time All-Star, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Brian McTaggart, and John Denton.
“The Astros have renewed their interest in trading for Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, multiple sources told MLB.com on Saturday,” the MLB.com staff reported. “Arenado, who nixed a trade to the Astros in December, could now be willing to waive his no-trade clause and join a Houston team that has since added Christian Walker to play first base—a move which hadn’t been made when Arenado vetoed the trade and shows the Astros’ plan to push forward as contenders.
In December, the Cardinals were willing to send $15-20 million to the Astros as part of the deal to help pay down Arenado’s salary, sources said.”
Acquiring Arenado would bring stability to the Astros’ infield, allowing Altuve to transition to left field while Paredes and Jeremy Peña handle the middle infield, with Walker and Arenado securing the corners.
Arenado originally signed an eight-year, $260 million contract with the Colorado Rockies in 2019 before being traded to St. Louis. He is set to earn $74 million over the next three seasons.
With eight All-Star selections, five Silver Slugger awards, 10 Gold Gloves, and six Platinum Gloves, Arenado would provide an elite presence at third base, filling Bregman’s void and keeping the Astros in strong contention moving forward.
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