The Boston Red Sox are reportedly interested in acquiring star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals.
According to Sean McAdam of MassLive, the Red Sox are considering shifting Rafael Devers to first base and exploring the possibility of trading for Arenado. McAdam notes that there has been internal discussion about moving Devers off third base, and Arenado is seen as a potential backup plan.
The Cardinals, who are monitoring their payroll, may be open to trading Arenado if a team is willing to take on most of his remaining contract. However, a major hurdle is Arenado’s full no-trade clause.
Arenado has been mentioned in trade rumors, and McAdam suggests the Red Sox are one of the interested parties. The veteran third baseman still has three years left on his eight-year, $260 million deal. He is an eight-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner, and five-time Silver Slugger award recipient. Last season with the Cardinals, Arenado posted a .272 batting average with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs.
How Would Arenado Fit With The Red Sox?
If the Red Sox manage to acquire Arenado, he would likely take over as the starting third baseman, with Devers moving to first base. Devers, who committed 12 errors at third last season (a career-low, though he’s had seasons with as many as 24 errors), would benefit from the move. Arenado’s defensive prowess would significantly improve Boston’s infield, while Devers could help solidify first base, a position currently manned by Triston Casas.
This move would not only strengthen the team’s defense but also make their lineup more formidable. However, Devers’ agent, Nelson Montes de Oca, recently stated that Devers is firmly committed to playing third base. “He is a third baseman,” Montes de Oca told The Boston Globe. “He will continue to play third base and work hard to get better at it.”
Devers had an impressive season last year, hitting .272 with 28 home runs and 83 RBIs.
Cardinals Considering Trading Arenado
Arenado has been part of the Cardinals since 2021, but his name has come up in trade discussions this offseason. Katie Woo of The Athletic reported that the Cardinals could look to trade Arenado in order to free up salary and give younger players a chance at third base. However, Arenado’s hefty contract, coupled with a decline in performance over the past two years, and his no-trade clause, complicate the situation.
Following Woo’s report, MLB insider Mark Feinsand confirmed that Arenado’s name has surfaced in trade talks, especially as the Cardinals’ situation continues to evolve. Feinsand noted that if the team decides to move Arenado, the trade rumors could gain momentum as the offseason progresses.
Arenado’s future remains uncertain, but the Red Sox are reportedly closely monitoring the situation.
