BREAKING: Astros still in contention for Nolan Arenado after veto

The Astros’ pursuit of Nolan Arenado hit a serious snag Wednesday afternoon as the St. Louis Cardinals third baseman refused to waive his no-trade clause in a deal with Houston. But Arenado’s current stance could become flexible in the coming weeks.

Arenado, an eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner in 12 MLB seasons, “did not want to rush into a decision,” on a potential trade to Houston, preferring to instead “wait until more of the third-base market was established,” per The Athletic’s Katie Woo. The Astros are among a half-dozen teams currently pursuing Bregman, reportedly led by the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Both American League East clubs could also view Arenado as a feasible option at third base, creating a clearer situation for the Cardinals’ star after Bregman signs.

Wednesday’s blocked trade likely came as a surprise to the Astros and Cardinals. The Athletic cited a league source that described the Arenado-to-Houston deal as “at the 1-yard line,” and rumors of a potential big-name deal began bubbling last week. But I suspect Houston fans aren’t too heartbroken over Arenado’s decision, at least as of Thursday.

Trading for Arenado would effectively end the Bregman era in Houston, a nightmare situation for Houston fans who saw Kyle Tucker traded to the o Cubs earlier this month. Arenado is a superb defender and a valuable veteran voice. He’s also not the hitter Bregman is, and perhaps more importantly, not the heartbeat of Houston’s dynasty. Is hoping a denied Arenado deal will spring an outsized contract for Bregman wishful thinking? Perhaps. But Houston fans are in a state of desperation to close 2024. Any chance of Bregman’s return is worth holding on to, no matter how slim. Accepting Arenado as his replacement is putting the cart ahead of the horse at this juncture.

No Arendo trade is complete at the moment. Houston fans still might see the third baseman early in 2025, even without a move from St. Louis. The Astros will host the Cardinals six times in Spring Training this year, beginning Feb. 23.