Cubs eye third base upgrade. Could Nolan Arenado, a defensive standout, fill the void despite declining numbers and a steep price?
The Chicago Cubs are surely in the market to upgrade the third base position for 2026.
They remain interested in All-Star Alex Bregman, and there were reports earlier this offseason that they were interested in Eugenio Suarez. So, signing a third baseman in free agency isn’t out of the question.
If the Cubs are comfortable with Bregman’s asking price, that is likely their No. 1 hitter target this winter. But the front office could also look to trade for a third baseman rather than sign one in free agency.
The biggest name that appears to be on the market at that position is Nolan Arenado.
Now, it’s probably a long shot that the Cardinals would trade the veteran to a division rival in the Cubs. These two franchises don’t make many trades together, and it’s been almost two decades since the last time they have.
Their last trade together came back on July 4, 2007, when the Cardinals sent John Nelson to the Cubs as part of a conditional deal. Outside of that minor trade, these two organizations have been relatively quiet on the trade front for most of the last 20 years.
So, an Arenado trade to the Cubs is probably unlikely.
However, if the Cardinals are so adamant about trading him away this offseason, the North Siders could become a potential landing spot. Arenado is still one of the top defensive third basemen in the Majors, and a change of scenery could help him.
Arenado is also open to seeing some time at first base, according to Will Sammon and Katie Woo of The Athletic. That could give Matt Shaw some regular at-bats against left-handed pitching since Arenado could give Michael Busch days off at first base.
“Similar to last offseason, it’s believed he’s also willing to split time between third and first base to free up position flexibility if needed. But many other factors, including player preference and timing, will need to come into play. Right now, all Arenado and the Cardinals can do is wait,” Sammon and Woo wrote.
Getting Arenado would give the Cubs the third baseman that they are seeking this offseason. But Chicago should not trade for the declining 34-year-old veteran.
His numbers across the board have declined in each of the past two seasons, and his power numbers aren’t what they once were. Arenado hit just 16 home runs in 152 games in 2024 and then batted .237 with 12 home runs across 107 games last year.
Therefore, there really isn’t any incentive in trading for him. The Cubs are better off rolling with Matt Shaw at this point than acquiring Areando -- who is due roughly $40 million over the next two seasons.