Injury to Red Sox hitting star creates potential opportunity for Cardinals to trade Nolan Arenado
The St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Arenado Trade Dreams and Boston's Troubles
Looks like the St. Louis Cardinals are still hustling to trade third baseman, Nolan Arenado, despite his no-trade clause. The Boston Red Sox were reportedly one of the teams Arenado was willing to play for, but they couldn't make it happen. But with a major hit in Boston's lineup, the Red Sox might be singing a different tune and considering a swap with the Cardinals.
A dreadful knee injury has sidelined Red Sox first baseman, Triston Casas, for the rest of the season following a collision at first base. This has left Boston in a scramble to find a long-term replacement and given rise to persistent rumors about moving star third baseman, Rafael Devers, to first base.
Arenado had a rough 2024, but he's bouncing back a bit, giving him some trade value. The Cardinals were insistent on offloading a chunk of Arenado's remaining salary to whichever team snagged him. With the Red Sox in a win-now stage, the Cardinals might finally have some leverage in a deal involving Arenado.
The incoming Cardinals president of baseball operations, Chaim Bloom, has a deep background with the Red Sox, having spent four seasons at the helm. Bloom would work alongside John Mozeliak in any potential deal, especially considering the Cardinals' interest in bolstering their minor league pitching depth with fireballers.
The Red Sox pitching prospects like Luis Perales and David Sandlin fit the bill. But Mozeliak mentioned aiming for 2025, and the Cardinals are currently languishing in fourth place in the NL Central, making a postseason run highly unlikely. If the Red Sox ring the Cardinals, they better pick up the phone quick and clinch a deal before the chance slips away.
While Casas' injury has left a void on the Red Sox roster, it's unclear whether this has directly increased the probability of them trading for Arenado. Any trade discussions would depend on multiple factors, and the Red Sox might be looking beyond just Arenado to fill their gaps.
[Source: Baseball references, Sports Illustrated, ESPN][1] What's happening with the St. Louis Cardinals and Nolan Arenado?[2] Triston Casas' Injury Leaves the Red Sox Scrambling for a First Baseman[3] Potential Replacements for Triston Casas at First Base for the Red Sox[4] Rumors Circulate about Rafael Devers Moving to First Base for the Red Sox[5] MLB.com ranks the Red Sox Third in their Semiannual Farm System Rankings[6] Cardinals' roster struggles and Mozeliak's Final Season Clouding judgement
The St. Louis Cardinals might consider proposing a trade involving Nolan Arenado to the Red Sox, especially with Boston's troubles at first base due to Triston Casas' injury. The Red Sox's pitching prospects, such as Luis Perales and David Sandlin, could be attractive pieces to the Cardinals for a potential deal.
