Nolan Arenado: let’s keep an eye on the Angels

Last year, Nolan Arenado said no to a trade between the Cardinals and Astros. It caused quite a stir, as you probably know.

It's not that he didn't want to play in Houston. He just wanted, in effect, to better understand why the club had traded Kyle Tucker and what was next for them.

But in the end, the moment passed. Arenado wasn't traded, as he hadn't found the fit he wanted. And now, with Carlos Correa, there's no room for Arenado in Texas.

The veteran also said no to the Angels last winter. Understandably, the former Rockies player was more interested in being traded to a team with higher aspirations.

But here, after a difficult 2025 season, his two remaining years on his contract aren't attracting much interest. And we know that the player, who is happy in Saint-Louis but feels that the club wants to move on, is ready to broaden his horizons with a view to 2026.

Bottom line? If a deal is on the table, he'll be less restrictive. Last year, everyone knows he was just waiting for the Dodgers to bring him back to his neck of the woods, but that didn't happen. And it certainly won't happen in 2026.

All this to say, the Angels are back in the picture. And since Arenado is from California, he might be tempted to say yes to the Anaheim outfit if a deal were to go through.

According to Ken Rosenthal(The Athletic), the possibility is on the table.

What I'm Hearing: https://t.co/y2d1jxSHyW

– Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 18, 2025

Once the likes of Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suarez have signed, the market for Nolan Arenado will become clearer. But even so, it's likely to revolve around the Angels.

Nothing is imminent, however.

If they can formalize Anthony Rendon's retirement (he won't play in 2026 anyway) with an agreement to defer money in the future, it could open the door for Arenado. Because if not, paying both big bucks in 2026 doesn't interest the Angels.

To be continued.

This content was created with the help of AI.