The trade chatter surrounding Nolan Arenado has quieted down in recent weeks, but that doesn’t mean the discussion is over. After blocking a deal that would have sent him to Houston, the eight-time All-Star remains with the Cardinals.
Team president John Mozeliak has stated that moving Arenado is still a priority. Still, he and chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. have also been clear that a trade isn’t absolutely necessary for payroll management.
The expectation is that Arenado will start the season in a Cardinals uniform. But that hasn’t stopped the front office from continuing to explore options.
Could the Red Sox Be a Fit for Nolan Arenado?
The Boston Red Sox are one team that has reportedly kept communication open with St. Louis. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the two sides have recently discussed Arenado.
However, there’s no clear indication that talks have gained much traction. In January, The Athletic’s Katie Woo reported that Arenado trade discussions had stalled, with Boston as the only realistic landing spot.
Boston’s interest in Arenado is complicated by their pursuit of Alex Bregman, who remains one of the most sought-after free agents.
The Sox have hesitated to offer Bregman a six-year deal, making them an unlikely landing spot for him. But if they miss out on Bregman, would they pivot to Arenado?
A Roster Logjam in Boston
Acquiring Arenado would create challenges for the Red Sox lineup. His defensive value is tied to his elite play at third base, but Rafael Devers, their longtime third baseman, might not be willing to switch positions.
The original plan for Bregman was to potentially move him to second base, but that scenario doesn’t work as easily with Arenado.
Another hurdle is Masataka Yoshida. If Arenado joins Boston, Yoshida—who is under contract for $18 million annually—could find himself on the bench or in trade discussions.
St. Louis, meanwhile, may not be eager to take on that contract, given that their motivation for moving Arenado is largely financial.
What’s Next for the Cardinals?
Arenado is still owed $64 million over the next three seasons, with the Rockies covering a small portion of that total.
The Astros were reportedly willing to take on almost all of that money before Arenado used his no-trade clause to block the deal. If Boston were to make a serious move, they’d likely have to do the same.
For now, the Cardinals remain in limbo, weighing whether they can find the right trade partner or if they’ll enter the season with Nolan Arenado still at the hot corner. Either way, this story isn’t over just yet.
