Cardinals of St. Ludwik star third baseman Nolan Arenado invoked a no-trade clause to block a deal that would have sent it to the EU Houston Astro– sources told ESPN on Wednesday, confirming the information first reported by the portal MLB.com.
Despite the setback, both teams continued to negotiate a potential deal for Arenado, although a deal was not imminent, according to MLB.com.
The Astros’ attempt to land Arenado comes days after trading the outfielder Kyle Tucker down Chicago Cubs. Alex Bregmanthe Astros’ longtime third baseman could leave in free agency.
Houston won the AL West last season but was eliminated in the wild-card round.
Arenado, 33, an eight-time All-Star, is considered one of the team’s best third basemen, both on and off the field. Last season for the Cardinals, for whom he played the last four years, he hit .272 with 16 home runs and 71 RBI.
Arenado, who also won 10 Gold Gloves, has had a career. 285 hits and 341 home runs in 12 seasons.
