For a time this offseason, it seemed like Nolan Arenado was destined to land with the Red Sox. Multiple reports indicated the St. Louis Cardinals star, who holds a no-trade clause in his contract, wanted to force a trade to Boston.
However, with spring training just a few weeks away, Arenado remains in St. Louis, and the Red Sox, who’ve publicly acknowledged looking for a right-handed bat, haven’t added any notable offensive players. So, what’s the deal?
During a TV segment on Wednesday, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi indicated Arenado still could be with the Cardinals when spring training starts in mid-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 said.
St. Louis Cardinals, third baseman, Nolan Arenado
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 15: Nolan Arenado #28 of the St. Louis Cardinals runs to first base on a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning in their MLB game at the… More Mark Blinch/Getty Images
Arenado, 33, hit just .272 with 16 homers and .719 OPS last season, among the worst numbers of his career. Morosi believes Arenado’s apparent decline is playing a role in his depressed trade market.
“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 asked.
Additionally, Morosi suggested the uncertainty surrounding free agent Alex Bregman, reportedly also a Red Sox target, is preventing an Arenado trade from happening.
“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 said.
With Arenado being an awkward roster fit and Bregman reportedly holding firm on his desire for a long-term deal, it’s looking increasingly possible the Red Sox won’t land either player
