However many trade rumors may come, Nolan Arenado is rooted in the St. Louis Cardinals. The superstar third baseman recently made his feelings absolutely clear amid rumors linking him here and there.

During the recent conversation with the NY Post, Arenado let his gut feeling known to all. He has a clear expectation to be the flag bearer for the Cardinals on the Opening Day. The nine-time Gold Glove winner also seems to adjust if the management decides to make any decision regarding him. But by the time anything of such intensity takes place, Arenado is “locked in.”

“I’m not trying to cause any problems. I’ve got to be committed. The year I had last year wasn’t the year I wanted. I feel like I’m better than that. So I’ve got to focus on being better than that. I expect to be a lot better. I have some lofty expectations,” Arenado said.

Among the most probable suitors, the New York Yankees are catching the most wind. Though they have a third base position dilemma, the eight-time All-Star does not seem to give second thoughts to the trade.

Nolan Arenado Has Narrowed Down On His Landing Spots

While the most obvious scenario for him would be a trade, Nolan Arenado is focusing on what he can do better. Especially after his last season’s performance. He remains under contract with the Cardinals for three more years on an eight-year deal worth $260 million.

His presence would undoubtedly enhance the Yankees’ lineup, especially with their current competition at third base with Cabrera and Peraza. However, with no trade imminent, Arenado’s primary focus remains on preparing for the upcoming season and contributing to the Cardinals’ success.

But that is all hope, no commitment on paper.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Arenado has expanded his trade options by adding the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies to his list of teams he would accept a trade to. Previously, his list included the Yankees, Dodgers, Padres, Red Sox, and Astros.

“Arenado, who has a full no-trade clause in his contract, added the Mets and Phillies to his original list of desired teams — which was the Yankees, Dodgers, Padres, Red Sox, and Astros — but the Mets never showed interest, and then re-signed Pete Alonso,” Heyman reported.

However, the Mets did not express interest after re-signing Pete Alonso. Despite his willingness to move, he remains with St. Louis, which has been looking to shed his salary as it goes through a mini-rebuild.

Arenado, at 33 years old, spent his first eight years with the Colorado Rockies, where he achieved significant success, including five All-Star selections and multiple Gold Glove Awards. Nevertheless, in his fourth year with the Cardinals, he has seen a decline in his performance, posting his lowest home run and RBI totals in several years during the 2024 season.