With the MLB winter meetings now over, the Boston Red Sox remain focused on adding another star player to strengthen their roster.
While they were unable to land outfielder Juan Soto, who signed with the New York Mets, the Red Sox continue to pursue outfielder Teoscar Hernandez. However, with the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly nearing a deal to re-sign Hernandez, Boston is turning its attention to St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado in hopes of a trade.
Arenado, an eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, has a full no-trade clause but would reportedly waive it to be traded to Boston, according to Mike Masala of Sporting News. In addition to the Red Sox, he is open to trades to the Dodgers, Mets, Padres, Phillies, and Angels. He has three years and $52 million remaining on his contract.
Over his 12-season career with the Rockies and Cardinals, Arenado has been known for his elite defense and offensive power, accumulating a .285 career batting average, 341 home runs, and 1,132 RBIs. Acquiring Arenado would provide the Red Sox with another right-handed power bat, and also offer the possibility of moving Rafael Devers from third base to first base or designated hitter, according to NESN’s Tim Crowley. Devers hit .272 with 28 home runs in 2024 but committed a league-high 12 errors at third base. Arenado’s arrival would help solidify Boston’s defense while adding another consistent hitter.
There is speculation, per SI.com’s Nate Hagerty, that the Red Sox might offer top prospects in a deal for Arenado, although the Cardinals may prefer more experienced players.
The potential move of Devers off third base could have ripple effects, possibly affecting teammates like Triston Casas and Masataka Yoshida. With Devers potentially moving to DH, one of either Casas or Yoshida might be traded to St. Louis. Devers’ seven-time lead in AL errors raises questions about his defensive reliability, making a shift to DH more likely. Yoshida, who batted .280 with 10 home runs and 56 RBIs in 2024, could be an appealing target for the Cardinals. If Boston lands Arenado, it would have significant ramifications for the team’s roster composition.
