Why the Red Sox and Cardinals May Be Trade Partners Once Again
As the MLB offseason continues, trade talks surrounding the Cardinals and eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado seem to be heating up. Just yesterday, it was announced that a trade involving Arenado is becoming more and more likely this offseason. While Nolan Arenado is committed to the Cardinals, he is also open to waiving his no-trade clause to join a new team. Furthermore, Arenado is also said to be willing to change positions from third base to first base in order to increase the number of potential suitors.
This news comes just days after the Boston Red Sox announced that they plan to move their star slugger Rafael Devers from third base to first base. With third base now open in Boston, it almost makes too much sense for the Red Sox to acquire the 10-time Gold Glove winner. For starters, Arenado will ultimately control where he plays next season due to his full no-trade clause. Luckily for Boston, Arenado has stated before that Fenway Park is his favorite away ballpark to play in amongst all others, with Dodger Stadium being a close second. This also would not be the first time these two teams have done business with each other, as the Red Sox acquired two-time Gold Glove-winning left fielder Tyler O’Neill from the Cardinals last offseason. To put the icing on the cake, former Chief Baseball Officer for the Red Sox, Chaim Bloom, now works in the Cardinals front office and will take over as President of Baseball Operations for the team in 2025. Bloom knows the Red Sox farm system inside and out and could have eyes on a potential Arenado trade package as the Cardinals seek to rebuild talent in their own farm system.
Apart from Alex Bregman, the third base free agent market this offseason leaves much to be desired. Considering Rafael Devers' recent move to First base, the desire for Nolan Arenado only makes sense. Arenado, in just 12 seasons, has won a ridiculous 10 Gold Gloves, including six platinum gloves, establishing himself as one of the greatest defenders in Major League history. Although Arenado is coming off of one of his worst offensive seasons, his .285 career average, with 341 home runs, 1,826 hits, and 56.7 career WAR, foreshadows a future Hall of Fame induction. At age 33, the only things Arenado is missing from his illustrious career are an MVP and a World Series title. Having earned four top-five finishes in MVP voting, with the last coming in 2022, his time may be running out to win the award; however, in comparison to the Cardinals, the hungry Red Sox organization will certainly give Arenado a better chance of winning a World Series title before he retires.
