Red Sox Trade Rumors: Could Nolan Arenado Stay With Cardinals After All?
Nolan Arenado appeared to be set to join the Red Sox throughout this summer. The St. Louis Cardinals star, who has a no-trade provision in his contract, reportedly sought to force a trade to Boston, according to many sources. Arenado is still in St. Louis, though, and the Red Sox, who have openly said that they are searching for a right-handed bat,
haven’t signed any standout offensive talents as spring training approaches. What’s the matter, then? Jon Morosi of MLB Network said in a Wednesday TV broadcast that Arenado may still be with the Cardinals when spring training begins in the middle of February.
“I would say, based on some of the conversations I’ve had this week, the chances continue to increase, that by the time the Cardinals arrive to spring training in Jupiter, Florida, Arenado will still be a member of the St.
Louis Cardinals,” Morosi stated. Arenado, 33, had some of his worst season-long stats last season, hitting just.272 with 16 home runs and.719 OPS. Morosi thinks his weak trade market is a result of Arenado’s seeming downturn. “Owed $74 million over the next three seasons, we ask ourselves, how many teams in baseball have that kind of payroll capacity and flexibility to add a player that is candidly coming off a ‘down’ offensive year?”
Morosi inquired. Morosi also implied that the uncertainty surrounding free agent Alex Bregman, who is said to be a Red Sox target, is impeding the possibility of an Arenado deal. “Especially with Bregman still out there, the longer this thing goes without Bregman having resolution, I have a hard time finding Arenado a spot, as to where he’s going to land,” Morosi stated. It appears more likely that the Red Sox won’t acquire either player given Arenado’s problematic roster fit and Bregman’s alleged insistence on a long-term contract.
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