Sources: Cards’ Arenado blocks trade to 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 that was first reported by MLB.com.

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

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

Houston won the AL 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, for whom he has played the past four years.

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