The Houston Astros pulled off perhaps the most surprising move of the baseball season last month when they reacquired superstar Carlos Correa, but it might have only been possible because another star player refused to join them.

Looking to reload their infield and return to the playoffs, the Astros attempted to acquire Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals this past offseason. But Arenado blocked that deal in the 11th hour.

"Arenado nixed a trade to the Astros, multiple sources told The Athletic, refusing to waive his full-no trade clause — at least for now — to join a franchise that has reached the playoffs each of the last eight years," according to The Athletic's Katie Woo . "One league source described the deal as 'on the 1-yard line' ... with the Astros agreeing to pay a maj

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