Nolan Arenado refused to be traded to the A’s

After hearing a plethora of rumors that Nolan Arenado was headed for other climes, the St. Louis Cardinals finally concluded a transaction to divest themselves of the services of their colt, who will continue his career under the warm Arizona sun.

But the Diamondbacks(and Padres) weren't the only Major League team to target Arenado on the trade market. In fact, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Sacramento A's had a deal in place for the 34-year-old before he refused the trade, citing his no-trade clause.

The A's would have absorbed more money than the Diamondbacks, who will pay Arenado $11 million of the $42 million he is due for the next two seasons, with his former club, the Cardinals, receiving the remainder. But Arenado has indicated that he would not approve a trade with the A's, according to a person familiar with the matter. He preferred the Diamondbacks or the San Diego Padres.

Arenado would have given the Athletics a veteran presence in this young lineup, as well as much-needed leadership.

Latest notes:

*Why a potential lockout doesn't seem to be impacting the MLB offseason

*A's wanted Arenado

*Padres still looking

*Pirates' quandaryhttps://t.co/aDLJuiIj9h

– Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 20, 2026

Instead, whoever ends up in Las Vegas will have to test their depth at third base if they don't make a move for a guy like Eugenio Suarez or Yoan Moncada by the end of the off-season. Otherwise, Max Muncy should get the most reps at the number five position with Brett Harris and Darell Hernaiz also in the mix.

Of course, the Athletics aren't ready to contend for a World Series anytime soon, but with a very good core of young players such as Jacob Wilson, Tyler Soderstrom, and Nick Kurtz, they could do some damage in a year or two, and that's despite Arenado's absence from the lineup.

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