St. Louis Shocker: Cardinals Franchise Cornerstone Could be Headed to…

The San Diego Padres are in a tricky position, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make some moves.

As they enter the 2025 season, the Padres sit within a few million dollars of the projected luxury tax threshold. They might not have much wiggle room with the budget, but trades are usually the best way to move some money around one way or the other.

Nolan Arenado is one of the most commonly discussed trade targets of the winter, and the Padres are one of the six teams he would reportedly waive his no-trade clause to play for. The 10-time Gold Glove third baseman has also said he would be willing to play first base, which is relevant because the Padres already have Manny Machado at the hot corner.

On Thursday, Zach Pressnell proposed a blockbuster trade that would send Arenado to San Diego, though he admitted that the Padres would have to make some counter-moves in order to balance out adding the eight-time All-Star to the payroll.

In the deal, the Padres would send 24-year-old outfield prospect Tirso Ornelas to the Cardinals.

“The piece of this deal that makes it unrealistic is the Padres’ lack of need for an infielder,” Pressnell said. “But if the Friars are looking to move some guys around and make room for Arenado, this is an easy way to slot another Gold Glover into the lineup.”

“Heading back to St. Louis would be No. 18 prospect Tirso Ornelas. Ornelas posted a .864 OPS in Triple-A last season as he’s slowly improved through his professional career. The Cardinals could use another outfielder to compete for a roster spot in 2025.”

Arenado is owed $74 million over the next three seasons, after initially inking an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Colorado Rockies. Because Colorado is paying part of the deal down, San Diego would owe him just over $17 million per season.

If they decide to move on from Luis Arraez, an Arenado trade could make some sense. But then again, Machado is so firmly entrenched at third base that it doesn’t seem feasible to move him. And utilizing Arenado’s legendary glove at first base is… just wasteful.