Nolan Arenado, the highly accomplished third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, is reportedly open to changing positions in order to boost his trade value, particularly with the Cardinals undergoing a significant roster overhaul heading into the upcoming season.

The Cardinals have made it clear that they will be embarking on a long-term rebuilding process, with the team planning a 'reset year' - retooling their roster, examining the free agent market, and honing their focus on developing their minor league talent. Based on these ambitions, it's no surprise that Arenado, along with several other valuable veteran players, has been featured in numerous trade rumors.

Given the team's direction, there's considerable logic behind trading players with high trade value such as Arenado. However, the third baseman's mammoth eight-year, $238.5 million extension has made his market thin due to his substantial existing contract. One potential variable that could change the trade dynamic is flexibility - specifically in terms of Arenado's willingness to adapt and accommodate his new team's requirements.

Among possible changes, the thirty-one-year-old Arenado's reported willingness to move to first base could boost his marketability dramatically. Several contending teams could make an aggressive push to strengthen their team at this position. That increase in available suitors could raise the value that the Cardinals might get in return for Arenado's highly skilled services.

The all-star infielder possesses great positional flexibility, and if he were open to assuming a new role, many analysts speculate that he might instantly turn into one of the best-hitting first basemen in the major leagues, undoubtedly opening up some fascinating avenues for potential trades. Although any trade dealing with Arenado would undoubtedly need careful thought and deliberation given his lofty contract status, team loyalty and major expectations, one thing that is clear is that this remarkable ballplayer's future now hangs in balance, pending an immense judgment on whether to stick with his comfortable past positioning or gear up for the future in what looks like an unavoidable transformation.