A’s Nearly Landed Nolan Arenado Before Diamondbacks Trade

The Oakland A’s came closer than most people think to landing one of baseball’s best third basemen. But the deal fell apart, thanks to player preference and some bad timing.

Ken Rosenthal reported that Oakland had a trade for Nolan Arenado all but done before the St. Louis Cardinals turned around and sent him to Arizona. What happened next says a lot about where the A’s are right now as they try to stay competitive while planning a future in Las Vegas.

Arenado Trade That Almost Was

The Athletics had an agreement in place to get Nolan Arenado. They were ready to take on more of his salary than the Diamondbacks ended up doing. That’s a bold move, honestly—it shows a front office that wants to prove it’s doing something during a weird, transitional time.

Why the Deal Fell Apart

Oakland was willing to spend, but Arenado had the final say. He’s got a no-trade clause, and he made it clear he’d rather go to the Diamondbacks or Padres.

It sounds like he would’ve vetoed a move to Oakland if it got that far. So, St. Louis sent him to Arizona instead, getting salary relief and minor-leaguer Jack Martinez. That ended any shot at the A’s making their biggest splash in years.

The A’s Bigger Picture: Building Toward Las Vegas

This near-miss kind of highlights the A’s push to improve before the planned move to Las Vegas, which is supposed to happen by 2028. Arenado turns 35 in April and has just two seasons left on his contract. Still, he could’ve stabilized the roster during this in-between phase.

Short-Term Fit, Long-Term Questions

Even if Arenado had come to Oakland, he probably wouldn’t stick around by the time the team moves to Vegas. But his glove and veteran bat would’ve added some much-needed credibility and steadiness to a young lineup that’s still figuring things out.

Why Third Base Was the Obvious Target

Third base stood out as the spot Oakland needed to upgrade. The A’s have quietly put together a promising group at a bunch of spots, but the hot corner is still a big question mark.

Current Core Around the Diamond

The Athletics already have some intriguing players:

At third, though, they’re rolling with 23-year-old Max Muncy. He’s got upside, but let’s be real—Arenado would’ve been a much steadier option, at least for a while.

Why Arenado Wasn’t Sold on Oakland

The A’s finished 76–86 last year. That’s not exactly scaring the Mariners, Astros, or Rangers. It’s tough to blame Arenado for being hesitant.

Environment and Contention Matter

There’s more to it than just wins and losses. The A’s are playing in a minor-league park for now, and nobody really knows what the future holds for the franchise. Arenado’s used his no-trade clause to chase teams with better playoff chances before, so it’s not shocking that Oakland wasn’t at the top of his list—even if they were ready to open their wallet.

What Comes Next at Third Base?

If the Athletics really want to upgrade third base, they still have a few options. They could look at trading for someone like:

There are also some lower-tier free agents out there. Yoán Moncada and Ramón Urías might be possibilities, though they don’t bring the same punch as Arenado. Oakland’s push for Arenado makes it pretty clear—they want to look like contenders, whether it’s in Oakland or under the Vegas lights.

 
Here is the source article for this story: A’s Had Deal In Place For Nolan Arenado Prior To D-Backs Trade