Red Sox Prefer Nolan Arenado Over Alex Bregman: Will the Cardinals Finally Make a Move?
The St. Louis Cardinals have been unusually quiet this offseason, making no significant moves to upgrade their Major League roster. With spring training fast approaching, time is running out for them to make necessary changes.
One key area of focus has been trading Nolan Arenado to clear payroll, but so far, no deal has materialized. Recently, the Cardinals re-engaged the Boston Red Sox about a potential trade, and reports suggest that Boston may actually prefer Arenado over free-agent Alex Bregman.
Why the Red Sox Might Prefer Arenado
According to Matt Geagan of CBS Boston, the Red Sox see Arenado’s contract as a better option than paying the premium price Bregman and agent Scott Boras are seeking.
- Arenado is under contract through 2027 (~$82M remaining), whereas Bregman is expected to command a massive free-agent deal.
- His elite defense would be a major upgrade over Rafael Devers at third base.
- Acquiring Arenado would allow Boston to keep Devers at DH more frequently, improving their infield defense.
Why the Cardinals Need to Act Now
If the Red Sox prioritize Arenado, the Cardinals must capitalize on the opportunity while they still can. Moving him would:
- Clear salary space to potentially address other needs.
- Open up third base for Nolan Gorman, giving him regular playing time.
- Fully commit to the youth movement they have been preaching.
Arenado is coming off a down year in 2024 (.272 AVG, career-low 16 HR, .719 OPS), but his defensive value remains elite. If the Cardinals wait too long, they risk losing their best chance to move him.
What’s Next?
A lot depends on what the Red Sox decide to do. If they grow impatient waiting on Bregman’s decision, they could quickly pivot to Arenado. For the Cardinals, it’s time to stop sitting on their hands and take action before the opportunity slips away.
With Spring Training just around the corner, the next few days could be critical for both franchises.
