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The St. Louis Cardinals are prepared to be trade deadline sellers for the first time in five years.
Some have even speculated that the team may go as far as to trade Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Willson Contreras.
The Cardinals have repeatedly stated that they do not intend to trade Goldschmidt or Arenado.
A recent report from Bob Nightengale suggested that the team was open to trading Contreras and had put him on the trading block.
However, Katie Woo, who covers the team for The Athletic, pointed out an important reminder, that all three stars have full no-trade clauses.
A quick reminder before we head into what will likely be a wild week of trade rumors and speculation.
Paul Goldschmidt – full no-trade clauseNolan Arenado – full no-trade clauseWillson Contreras – full no-trade clause #STLCards
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) July 24, 2023
This means that more than likely, the Cardinals will not trade any of their three middle-of-the-order bats.
Contreras was just signed to a five-year, $87.5 million contract this past offseason to replace Yadier Molina.
Goldschmidt and Arenado are pieces that the team is trying to build around for 2024.
The Cardinals fully expect to be back in contention in 2024 as they prepare for a deadline retool.
But that retool will not consist of getting rid of Goldschmidt, Arenado, or Contreras.
Arenado waived his no-trade clause with the Colorado Rockies to come to St. Louis, but can still use that clause to prevent a trade.
All three Cardinals sluggers have been major keys to the success of their offense.
It’s the pitching that has failed the team this year and continues to do so.
While these sluggers would certainly bring back a massive haul, the Cardinals are not interested in trading Goldschmidt and Arenado, and it appears unlikely that Contreras will waive his no-trade clause.
NEXT: Cardinals Insider Reveals Major Update On Tyler O’Neill
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