Nolan Arenado could be headed to Houston after all.
Two months after the star third baseman nixed a trade to the Astros, Houston has “renewed their interest” in Arenado in recent days, according to a report from MLB.com.
Arenado, 33, is now “considering a potential deal to Houston” after the team improved its roster over the last couple of months, per MLB.com.
In the deal that got killed in December, the Cardinals were set to send $15-20 million to the Astros for Arenado, who is owed $74 million over the next three years.
Arenado has a no-trade clause and would have to give his approval for a potential deal.
“I’ve got a lot of goals, and I truly feel in my heart I can achieve all of them,” Arenado said Friday. “I think about [the Hall of Fame] and I’d love to accomplish that. But just like with the trade stuff, when I start thinking about it, I remind myself that I need to get back to work.”
The Yankees were in on Arenado at points this offseason, and could still get back in on the bidding, although at this time they aren’t pursuing the 10-time Gold Glover, the outlet reported.
The Astros have a big hole at third base after two-time All-Star Alex Bregman left Houston to sign with the Red Sox earlier this month.
The news is the latest turn in what has been a long offseason saga for Arenado and the Cardinals.
Less than two weeks ago, St. Louis president of baseball operations John Mozeliak indicated that Arenado will “likely” be with the team on Opening Day.
“I think the mindset right now is he’s likely going to be a part of our club at this point,” Mozeliak told reporters, adding that he “definitely feel[s] like it’s a better chance than not” that Arenado is at the hot corner when the team begins its season on March 27.
Arenado, who turns 34 in April, hit .272/.325/.394 with 16 home runs for the Cardinals in 2024.
