Report: A’s had deal in place for 3B Nolan Arendao

In the days leading up to Nolan Arenado’s departure from the St. Louis Cardinals, an unlikely team emerged as a serious suitor:

The Athletics.

According to The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal, the A’s “had a deal in place” to acquire Arenado before the Arizona Diamondbacks completed a deal to acquire the slick-fielding third baseman.

Arenado, who has a no-trade clause included in his contract, indicated he would not approve a deal to Sacramento, with Rosenthal reporting that the 34-year-old preferred to land with the D-Backs or San Diego Padres.

Last week, I reported that the San Diego Padres were the team besides the Arizona Diamondbacks to mount the “heaviest pursuit” of third baseman Nolan Arenado. But it turns out the Athletics also wanted Arenado and had a deal in place for him, according to people briefed on the discussions.

The A’s would have absorbed more money than the Diamondbacks, who will pay Arenado $11 million of the $42 million he is owed the next two seasons, with his previous club, the St. Louis Cardinals, picking up the rest. But Arenado indicated he would not necessarily approve a trade to the A’s, a person familiar with his thinking said. He preferred the Diamondbacks or Padres.

The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal – January 20, 2025

More on star 3B Nolan Arenado

Nolan Arenado ultimately approved a trade to Arizona on January 13th, with St. Louis also sending $31 million of the $42 million owed to the 10-time Gold Glove Award winner over the next two seasons.

The eight-time All-Star isn’t the hitter that he used to be (12 HR and a .237 batting average in 2025), but he can still provide above-average defense and some occasional pop out of the hot corner for a Diamondbacks team that is looking to remain competitive in a loaded National League West.

As for the Athletics, their interest in a player like Nolan Arenado signals their hope to make a postseason push in 2026.

Fresh off a 76-win season in 2025–their winningest season since 2021–the A’s are looking to fortify an infield that includes reigning Rookie of the Year first baseman Nick Kurtz, Rookie of the Year runner-up Jacob Wilson, and the recently-acquired Jeff McNeil, who is set to play second base after being acquired in a trade from the New York Mets earlier this offseason.

Along with power hitters like All-Star designated hitter Brent Rooker and left fielder Tyler Soderstrom, the Athletics have a solid lineup heading into Spring Training.

Adding Nolan Arenado would have added to this up-and-coming lineup, but the A’s will instead open up camp with Max Muncy and Darell Hernaiz as internal third base options.

Players like Eugenio Suarez, Yoan Moncada, Miguel Andujar, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Ramon Urias also remain available as free agent options.

Upcoming Athletics & MLB Offseason Schedule

• MLB Free agency is underway as of the day after the World Series
• Early-January – MLB Arbitration Negotiations
• Mid-February – Pitchers & Catchers report for Spring Training
• Saturday, February 21st – @ Chicago White Sox (Spring Training Opener)

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