Angels Eye Nolan Arenado as Potential Third Base Upgrade

The Los Angeles Angels have been active this offseason, highlighted by the departure of Anthony Rendon and additions to the pitching staff. Despite these moves, general manager Perry Minasian has emphasized that third base remains a position of need, fueling speculation about a trade for St. Louis Cardinals star Nolan Arenado.

According to Angels beat writer Taylor Blake Ward, Minasian stressed that while pitching remains a central focus, improving the infield, particularly at third base, is a priority. “We have to pitch better. We’re not going to give ourselves a chance to win if we’re not going to pitch better,” Minasian said, while also noting the team still needs upgrades at third.

The Cardinals’ willingness to explore a trade involving Arenado has caught the attention of several teams, including Los Angeles. With Rendon off the books, the Angels could now realistically target a premier third baseman to address a longstanding hole in the infield.

Currently, the Angels’ infield depth at third is limited. Vaughn Grissom, recently acquired from Boston, is the only option on the roster, while young prospects like Zachary Neto, Christian Moore, and Nolan Schanuel are positioned at other infield spots. A move for Arenado would likely require a substantial trade package.

1. Offseason Moves and Rotation Upgrades

The Angels have focused heavily on pitching during the offseason. The club acquired Grayson Rodriguez to strengthen the rotation and signed Alek Manoah to a one-year contract. Both join a rotation that also features Yusei Kikuchi, Jose Soriano, and Reid Detmers, giving Los Angeles a deeper, more versatile pitching staff. These moves indicate the organization recognizes pitching as a critical area of improvement. While offensive struggles remain, Minasian has clearly prioritized staff upgrades that could immediately impact the team’s competitiveness. Improved pitching could also complement a potential third base acquisition. With stronger arms on the mound, adding a high-level hitter like Arenado would create a more balanced lineup capable of supporting playoff contention. The Angels’ front office appears determined to pair rotation upgrades with strategic offensive moves, reflecting a dual approach to improving both pitching and position-player talent this offseason.

2. Third Base Situation

While pitching has been the main offseason focus, the Angels still face a notable gap at third base. With Rendon gone and only Vaughn Grissom currently listed at the position, Los Angeles lacks a proven, everyday option. The young infield prospects—Zachary Neto, Christian Moore, and Nolan Schanuel—offer future potential but are not ready to provide an immediate, high-level impact at third. A player of Arenado’s caliber would instantly fill that void, giving the Halos both offensive firepower and defensive stability. Arenado’s availability from the Cardinals opens the door for a blockbuster trade. Acquiring him would require the Angels to assemble a competitive package, likely including top prospects or MLB-ready talent, in order to convince St. Louis to part with their star infielder. If successful, such a move would signal the Angels’ commitment to balancing pitching and offense, pairing their rotation improvements with a game-changing addition at third base.

3. Strategic Implications

Targeting Arenado aligns with the Angels’ broader strategy of mixing proven veterans with young talent. While pitching upgrades improve run prevention, elite position players are necessary to generate consistent offensive output. Acquiring Arenado would provide a cornerstone for the infield for years to come, stabilizing a position that has been inconsistent in recent seasons. It would also allow the Angels to maintain flexibility with younger infielders, giving them time to develop at other positions without immediate pressure. Such a trade, however, comes with financial and prospect costs. The Angels would need to balance long-term roster considerations against the immediate impact of adding a perennial All-Star. Successfully navigating this could set the team up for contention while maintaining organizational depth. Arenado would instantly become a focal point of the lineup, complementing Los Angeles’ rotation upgrades and improving the overall competitiveness of the roster heading into the 2026 season.