Overview
- Team officials told agents their free-agent pursuits hinge on clearing money in trades, with ownership prepared to include cash to move high-priced veterans.
- Reporting indicates the club is actively seeking fits for Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray, with Gray guaranteed $40 million through 2027 including a $5 million buyout.
- Chaim Bloom said the front office is aligned with Arenado on finding a new fit and described Gray as more open to possibilities as the organization shifts to a longer horizon.
- Arenado is coming off a down 2025 season (.237/.666 OPS, 12 HR in 401 at-bats) and is owed about $42 million over two years with $5 million covered by Colorado, factors that complicate his market.
- Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar are drawing interest from multiple clubs, and St. Louis is targeting young, controllable pitching from suitors such as the Royals, Guardians, Astros and other teams mentioned in recent reports, with a $124 million 2026 payroll projection and potential $30–40 million in savings if both stars are dealt.