Sources – Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado blocks trade with Astros

St. Louis Cardinals star third baseman Nolan Arenado invoked his no-trade clause to block a deal that would have sent him to the Houston Astros, sources told ESPN on Wednesday, confirming news first reported by MLB.com.

Despite the setback, the two teams were still negotiating a potential trade involving Arenado, although a deal was not imminent, according to MLB.com.

The Astros’ attempt to land Arenado comes just days after they traded outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs. Alex Bregman, the Astros’ longtime third baseman, could leave the game in free agency.

Houston won the American League West last season but was eliminated in the wild card round.

An eight-time All-Star, Arenado, 33, is considered one of the game’s best third basemen, both at the plate and in the field. He hit .272 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs last season for the Cardinals, who he has played for the last four years.

Arenado, who has won 10 Gold Gloves, is a career. 285 hitter with 341 home runs in 12 seasons.