Nolan Arenado has been a popular name as a potential trade candidate through the past few offseasons and trade deadlines, but this year, it looks like the Cardinals might actually be willing to part ways with him.
St. Louis is attempting to reduce payroll after a middling season and already let go of two starters, Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn, in those efforts. Arenado is owed $21 million in 2025, making him the second-highest paid Cardinal behind Sonny Gray, who might also be on the trade block.
The Red Sox missed out on Juan Soto and their offer reached $700 million, so it's clear that they have money to spend. Fans are desperate to see this front office do something — anything (that isn't signing Aroldis Chapman) — after months of empty promises last year.
Sean McAdam of MassLive reported last month that the Sox were considering moving Rafael Devers off of third base and suggested Arenado as a potential candidate to fill that open spot. Former Red Sox and MLB Network host Jake Peavy doubled down on that idea on Monday night, suggesting a three-player return from Boston made up of No. 8 prospect Miguel Bleis, No. 13 prospect Richard Fitts, and Masataka Yoshida in exchange for Arenado. The third baseman has a no-trade clause in his contract, but the Red Sox are one of the teams he'd be willing to waive it for.
Who is saying no in this hypothetical trade? pic.twitter.com/Kp4Zoh5rLq
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 10, 2024
Jake Peavy pitches potential Red Sox trade for Nolan Arenado that includes Masataka Yoshida
This idea kind of makes sense. Although Arenado is not the player he used to be, it probably would still take two top-15 prospects to get arguably the best defensive third baseman in the game away from St. Louis. Fitts had a promising first four starts for Boston last season, and the Cardinals just did away with two of their starters in order to save money. Bleis is still at least a year away from the majors, but the Red Sox have three other outfielders in the top 10 in their prospect pool and the Cardinals only have one.
Yoshida had a relatively successful turn as Boston's primary DH this year, but he also missed a third of the season with a thumb issue and underwent a surprise shoulder surgery in October. He's not exactly cheap — he's owed $18.6 million in 2025 and $55.8 million overall through 2027 — but he's still cheaper than Arenado and he could be St. Louis' needed upgrade from Lars Nootbaar in the outfield.
Hats off to Peavy for coming up with a pretty sensible trade. Although Arenado does come with a certain amount of risk and a $52 million commitment through 2027, he'd certainly be a defensive upgrade from Devers.