Even though there have been many rumors, it is possible that the Boston Red Sox could make a blockbuster move to send Nolan Arenado. Arenado has won eight All-Star awards. Recently, reports have indicated that St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox are resuming discussions about the veteran third-baseman.
Alex Speier of the baseball analyst Alex Speier reports that the Cardinals front office is exploring trade options for Nolan Arenado. This will free up money and allow the team to rebuild faster. Arenado’s contract originally signed in 2019 with the Colorado Rockies includes a non-trade clause. It adds another layer to any possible deal. This clause was used to prevent a deal with the Houston Astros.
Negotiations continue and a major point of disagreement revolves around Arenado’s contract. The Cardinals have been asked to pay a certain amount of Arenado’s $64 million over the next 3 years. The Boston Red Sox will need to consider the financial aspects of a potential trade.
If the two teams can reach an agreement concerning Arenado ‘s salary, the next hurdle becomes the trade “parameters,” or what the Red Sox are prepared to give up to acquire the perennial All-Star. What is the true value of the Silver Slugger Award winner at this point in his career?
Nolan Arenado has consistently shown his exceptional ability to field at the hot corner. He is considered one of baseball’s premier third basemen. Red Sox’s defensive ability is something they could improve on. Rafael Devers is Boston’s third baseman. He has negatively impacted Boston’s defense, costing the team nine runs in the 2024 campaign.
Arenado, on the other hand, saved six Cardinals runs with his defensive contribution. According to the commonly accepted standard of 10 runs equaling one win, the Red Sox could add 1.5 wins by replacing Devers at third base with Arenado.
Arenado is likely to shift Devers into a designated hitter position, but it’s important to note that Arenado has experienced a drop in his offensive production over the past few seasons. The weighted ran created plus statistic (wRC+), which is a complete offensive statistic in which 100 represents league average, was registered as 102 by 2024. 2024 marked his statistically worst year offensively since his debut season, even if you exclude the shortened season of 2020. Rafael Devers had a 134.
Boston Red Sox will have to weigh the trade of Nolan Arenado, which would involve a financial and defensive commitment. They must also consider his excellent defense in comparison with his offensive decline over the past few years. The Red Sox will decide whether or not Arenado is a valuable addition as the discussions continue between the teams.