Spring training is just about in full swing down in Arizona and Florida, but the MLB offseason drama isn’t quite finished yet.
Some big names are still floating in trade rumors, and teams are scrambling to make last-minute moves before the season begins. Let’s dive into the latest buzz.
Cardinals, Red Sox Standoff Over Arenado’s Contract
One of the biggest names in the rumor mill this offseason has been St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. At 33, he’s still an elite defender at the hot corner, but his bat?
Well, that’s where the questions start to creep in. His power numbers have dipped, and the underlying metrics aren’t exactly screaming “bounce-back season.”
Still, he’s got value—especially to a team like the Red Sox, who could use a defensive boost at third base.
Money Is the Hold Up With MLB Teams
Arenado is still owed $74 million over the next three seasons, with the Colorado Rockies covering $10 million of that total.
That leaves the Cardinals (or any acquiring team) on the hook for $64 million, which is no small chunk of change. The Red Sox are interested but not ready to take on that full salary without some help from St. Louis.
Reports indicate that the Cardinals were willing to kick in around $15 million when discussing a trade with the Astros, and there’s speculation that number could rise to $20 million. But the Red Sox want more.
With Boston hesitant to move Rafael Devers to a near-full-time DH role and the Cardinals willing to keep Arenado if the financial terms aren’t right, the talks have hit a roadblock.
That said, Arenado is reportedly open to waiving his no-trade clause for Boston, and Fenway Park could be a great fit for what’s left of his bat.
The Green Monster could play well with his pull-side power, and his defense would be a major plus in front of a pitching staff that figures to generate a lot of ground balls.
There’s a logical match here—if the two sides can find common ground on the financials.
Blue Jays Holding Onto Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – For Now
Meanwhile, up in Toronto, all eyes are on Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who’s entering his final year under team control.
The young slugger turns 26 next month and is poised to hit the open market next winter, where he’ll have no shortage of suitors.
First basemen don’t always command the biggest paydays in free agency, but Guerrero’s combination of power and age could make him an exception.
So, does that mean the Blue Jays might trade him before he walks? Right now, the answer is no according to EPSN.
Despite their disappointing 2024 MLB season, the Jays aren’t looking to move their franchise cornerstone—at least not yet. According to reports, the organization has little appetite for a blockbuster deal this spring. But fast forward a few months, and things could change.
If Toronto struggles again and finds itself out of the playoff picture by the trade deadline, Guerrero’s availability could become a much bigger talking point.
For now, though, he’s staying put, and the Blue Jays are hoping he can help lead them back to contention.
What’s Next For the Cardinals and Blue Jays?
MLB spring training always brings its fair share of intrigue, and with a few high-profile names still in play, we might not be done seeing movement just yet.
The Cardinals and Red Sox still have time to iron out an Arenado deal, and while Guerrero Jr. looks safe in Toronto for now, a slow start for the Jays could change the equation.
