The Boston Red Sox are reportedly considering a trade for star third baseman Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals.
As per Sean McAdam of MassLive, the Red Sox are contemplating shifting Rafael Devers to first base, which would open the door for acquiring Arenado. McAdam noted, “Don’t rule out some Red Sox interest in Nolan Arenado.” He added that internal discussions have taken place about moving Devers from third base, with Arenado seen as a potential backup option.
While the Cardinals are mindful of their payroll, they would be open to trading Arenado if a team is willing to take on the majority of his remaining contract. One challenge, however, is that Arenado has a full no-trade clause.
Nolan Arenado’s name has surfaced in trade discussions, and McAdam suggests that the Boston Red Sox may be interested in acquiring him. Arenado, an eight-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner, and five-time Silver Slugger award winner, has three years remaining on his eight-year, $260 million contract. Last season, he hit .272 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs for the St. Louis Cardinals.
How Would Arenado Fit With the Red Sox?
If the Red Sox were to acquire Arenado, he would take over as the starting third baseman, which would shift Rafael Devers to first base. Devers has had below-average defensive performances at third base, committing 12 errors last season, although it was his lowest total in years. Moving Devers to first base would address a gap in Boston’s lineup while significantly improving the team’s defense with Arenado’s elite fielding.
Currently, Triston Casas holds the first baseman position, and adding Arenado to the mix would improve both the defense and the overall lineup.
However, Devers’ agent, Nelson Montes de Oca, recently told The Boston Globe that Devers sees himself as a third baseman. “He is a third baseman,” Montes de Oca said. “That’s his position, that’s what he likes to play, and that’s what he will be playing.”
Devers finished the 2023 season hitting .272 with 28 home runs and 83 RBIs.
Cardinals Looking to Trade Arenado
Arenado’s name has come up in trade talks this offseason, as the St. Louis Cardinals are exploring ways to reduce their payroll. According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Cardinals could trade Arenado to make room for younger players, such as Brendan Donovan and Nolan Gorman, who are rising through the farm system.
However, Woo noted that Arenado’s situation is complicated by his hefty contract, recent performance decline, and his full no-trade clause, which limits trade possibilities. MLB insider Mark Feinsand also reported that Arenado’s name has come up in trade discussions and could gain momentum as the winter progresses.
Arenado has been with the Cardinals since 2021.
