# Redbird Droppings: Priorities 1, 2, and 3

- Link: https://www.nyrdcast.com/redbird-droppings-priorities-1-2-and-3/
- Published: 2025-01-22T14:17:24-06:00
- Author: Eugene Tierney

### **Redbird Droppings analyzes priorities 1, 2, and 3: Nolan Arenado**

[⌊Redbird Droppings⌉⌊Redbird Droppings⌉[

The Cardinals just completed the Winter Warm-Up, and the normal flow of news is 
a little slower than past years. They talk Arenado, some names that have popped 
up in trade rumors, a look at arbitration, and some former Cardinals news.

**Arenado Non-News**
OK, it’s not all the same stuff with [Nolan Arenado](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arenano01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br),
but it pretty much is. Let’s start with what we already know.

 * The Cardinals want to cut payroll and Arenado is the guy to go; he’s also wanting
   out after the Cardinals declared they aren’t going to compete in 2025 (they didn’t
   declare that outright though).
 * Arenado revealed he’d be willing to move to first base with a new team
 * Arenado gives 6 teams he’d approve a trade to: Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels,
   Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres.
 * The Astros engaged the Cardinals in trade talks, but Arenado blocked the trade;
   he wanted to wait and see what else came about.

Since the winter meetings, [we’ve learned the Yankees proposed](https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-goldschmidt-nolan-arenado-yankees-rumors?partnerID=mlbapp-iOS_article-share)
sending [Marcus Stroman](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stromma01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
to the Cardinals Arenado; I’m sure there would have been some money moving in the
deal. The Cardinals killed it without even checking with Arenado; the money didn’t
make sense for a team cutting payroll. Even if the Cardinals were interested, we
don’t know if Arenado would have approved it.

Boston is the most recent team interested, but they can’t do the deal with their
roster as is. They have [Rafael Devers](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deverra01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
at third and [Triston Casas](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/casastr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
at first. [Casas has seen his name pop up in trade rumors](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/craig-breslow-discusses-casas-bregman-devers.html),
but it wouldn’t be in a deal with the Cardinals; they know they’ll get more for 
him in a separate deal. The question would be where would they play Arenado? He’s
the better third baseman, but the Red Sox have stated they are committing to keeping
Devers at third.

Some other teams are interested, but they are fringe playoff teams: the Royals and
the Tigers are both interested. I just don’t see Arenado approving trades to either
teams unless this were to happen in March. And just for the record, [the Tigers are in on Alex Bregman](https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2025/01/21/alex-bregman-tigers-rumors-news/77839190007/).

What’s the holdup? John Mozeliak said over the weekend that [the Cardinals #1 priority (and #2 and #3) is to trade Arenado](https://www.mlb.com/news/cardinals-still-set-on-trading-nolan-arenado);
Mozeliak told the media he’s hamstrung on adjusting the roster until the Cardinals
offload the $74M that’s owed to Arenado. The issue is [Alex Bregman](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bregmal01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br),
the other top guy on the market. Bregman and Arenado aren’t that far apart as players,
but the edge definitely goes to Bregman right now since he hasn’t started to decline
yet and he’s 3 years younger; teams will make him the priority, with Arenado as 
the fallback option.

What’s funny about the whole thing? Hearing Bill DeWitt Jr say they [won’t have to cut payroll in other spots if Arenado isn’t traded](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6075844/2025/01/20/cardinals-payroll-2025-ownership/).
If Mo can’t make a move because he needs money, is DeWitt just going to run out 
the team as is? Is he going to allow Mo to at least bring in a [reliver or 2](https://www.stltoday.com/sports/professional/mlb/cardinals/5-free-agent-moves-on-a-budget-to-help-cost-conscious-cardinals-reset-for-new/article_fa8cd5d0-ca11-11ef-ad8b-33d36df6b6d2.html)
and a bench bat? There is a disconnect between the owner and POBO, and that goes
back to many of the issues we’ve seen the last few years. Hopefully that disconnect
will disappear when Chaim Bloom takes over.

**Other Trade Options**
There are other trade options for the Cardinals, and some
of them just make too much sense.

[The Tigers and the Indians](https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-goldschmidt-nolan-arenado-yankees-rumors)
have checked on a couple of Cardinal starters: [Erick Fedde](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/feddeer01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
and [Steven Matz](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/matzst01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br).
Both pitchers should start the season on a different team, and for different reasons.

Fedde should be moved just for the fact that the Cardinals could get something in
return; he pitched very well last season and is only due $7.5M. I would think quite
a few teams would be interested, especially smaller market clubs.

Matz would need to have some of his contract eaten, but he’s had stints where he’s
pitched well with the Cardinals in the rotation. He’d make a good back end starter
for borderline contenders.

[Ryan Helsley](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/helslry01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)‘
s name keeps popping up in trade rumors; the Cardinals stated earlier in the off-
season that [Helsley wouldn’t be traded](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/cardinals-appear-unlikely-to-trade-ryan-helsley.html),
but, like Fedde, he’s an affordable guy on a 1-year deal who’s coming off a good
season. There was reported interest from the [Blue Jays and Diamondbacks](https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-goldschmidt-nolan-arenado-yankees-rumors?partnerID=mlbapp-iOS_article-share);
the [Blue Jays signed](https://x.com/jonmorosi/status/1877836960879812838) [Jeff Hoffman](https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=hoffmje02,hoffma003jef&search=Jeff+Hoffman&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br),
so they are probably out. The [Orioles](https://fansided.com/mlb-insider-jeff-hoffman-almost-landed-al-east-rival-before-signing-blue-jays)
and the [Braves](https://links.mlb.mlbemail.com/e/evib?_t=c632e003a756446c956a8e0347d00d08&_m=f11e8442ab9248ffb0b8a7e6b0f1a4cc&_e=3cGRzPe6vE-II46TjOmcBYHXMdQShj5teVGqHxMDc6cAWHjbxhEcqKZNKwyNCAnROxbSzZQfufQAk3Wlv27IDQ%3D%3D)
were both in on Hoffman but passed for medical reasons; both could be interested
in Helsley as well.

**Arbitration**
We know the Cardinals agreed to terms with 3 of their 6 arbitration
eligible players; here’s the remaining 3, filing information, and what [MLB Trade Rumors](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/10/projected-arbitration-salaries-for-2025.html)
predicted:

 * [Lars Nootbaar](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nootbla01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)(
   3.076): Filed at $2.95M, team filed at $2.45MM; predicted $2.5M
 * [Brendan Donovan](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/donovbr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)(
   3.000): Filed at $3.3M, team filed at $2.85MM; predicted $3.6M
 * [Andre Pallante](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pallaan01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)(
   2.145): Filed at $2.1M, team filed at $1.925MM; predicted $2.3M

It’s interesting that both Donovan and Pallante filed for less than MLBTR predicted.
The Cardinals and Donovan [explored an extension](https://x.com/JohnDenton555/status/1877353202166673787),
but those [talks fell through](https://x.com/JohnDenton555/status/1877365827529327097)
hours before the deadline. They also approached Nootbaar about [an extension](https://x.com/JohnDenton555/status/1877353979757150650),
but those talks went nowhere. Both players have had their names pop up in trade 
rumors, but they are seen as core guys the team wants to build around.

The Cardinals are a file and trial team, so don’t expect any deals prior to spring
training.

Some former Cardinals were part of the arbitration process:

 * [Randy Arozarena](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arozara01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br):
   $11.3M from the Mariners (MLBTR: $11.7M)
 * [Zac Gallen](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/galleza01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br):
   $13.5M from the Diamondbacks (MLBTR: $14.1M)
 * [Austin Gomber](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gombeau01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br):
   $6.35M from the Rockies (MLBTR: $5.6M)
 * [Johan Oviedo](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/oviedjo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br):
   No agreement with the Pirates; filed $1.15M vs $850k team (MLBTR: $1.5M)
 * [Edmundo Sosa](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sosaed01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br):
   $3M from the Phillies (MLBTR: $2.5M)
 * [Lane Thomas](https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=thomala02,thomas001lan&search=Lane+Thomas&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br):
   7.825M from the Guardians (MLBTR: $8.3M)
 * [Ramon Urias](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/u/uriasra01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br):
   $3.15M from the Orioles (MLBTR: $3.1M)

**Former Cardinals**
A lot of former Cardinals were on the move the last few weeks,
including a few guys moving into coaching roles…

 * [Paul Goldschmidt](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/goldspa01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   signed with the Yankees to a 1 yr $12.5M; the [Giants, Mariners, Nationals, and Mets](https://x.com/BNightengale/status/1870198655443185915)
   were interested prior to signing.
 * [Andrew Kittredge](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kittran01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   [signed with the Orioles](https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1877583791641997643)
   to a 1 yr, $9M contract w/ $9M club opt ($1M buyout).
 * [Donovan Solano](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/solando01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   signed a 1 yr, $3.5M deal with the Mariners.
 * [Matt Bowman](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bowmama01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   re-sign an MiLB deal with the Orioles; he’ll receive a camp invite.
 * [Junior Fernandez](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fernaju01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   received an MiLB with the Royals; he spent 2024 with the Chiba Lotte Marines (
   NPB) for 2 appearances before an injury and subsequent release.
 * [Nick Martini](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martini02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   signed an MiLB contract with the Rockies; he’s receiving a camp invite.
 * [Anthony Misiewicz](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/misiean01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   joins the Twins on an MiLB deal with a camp invite.
 * [Chasen Shreve](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shrevch01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   re-joins the Braves on a minor league pact; he’ll be at their camp.
 * [Robert Stock](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stockro01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   returns to the states on an MiLB deal with the Red Sox after spending 2024 in
   Mexico; he’ll get a camp invite.
 * [Jake Woodford](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/woodfja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   will head to the Rockies on a minor league deal with a camp invite.
 * The Mariners claimed [Nick Raposo](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=raposo000nic&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   from Blue Jays, but was outrighted after the team acquired [Miles Mastrobuoni](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mastrmi01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   from the Cubs.
 * [Nick Punto](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/puntoni01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   will join the Padres in a coaching role, while [Matt Adams](https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=adamsma01,y-----000mat,adams-003mat&search=Matt+Adams&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   will be the bench coach for their AAA affiliate.

**Around the Web**

 * [SI](https://www.si.com/mlb/cardinals/st-louis-cardinals-news/cardinals-urged-to-sign-35-year-old-all-star-if-erick-fedde-is-traded-pat3)
   thinks the Cardinals should look into [Jose Quintana](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quintjo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   if they trade Fedde.
 * [Wednesday With Walton](https://thecardinalnation.com/wednesday-with-walton-and-reis-january-22-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wednesday-with-walton-and-reis-january-22-2025)
   talks about the minor league system.
 * [Alec Burleson](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/burleal01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   wants to be an [All Star this season](https://lastwordonsports.com/baseball/2025/01/21/cardinals-slugger-set-all-star-campaign/).
 * [Newsweek](https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/cardinals-rumors-teams-trying-convince-star-pitcher-accept-trade-2018501)
   believes teams are trying to convince [Sonny Gray](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-01-22_br)
   to accept a trade.

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