The Boston Red Sox have been linked to Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado as the team could attempt to acquire a third baseman.
With Boston expected to add a bat, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer released a trade prediction that sees the Red Sox getting Arenado in a blockbuster deal with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Red Sox acquire:
- Nolan Arenado
Cardinals acquire:
- Masataka Yoshida
- Yoeilin Cespedes (Boston’s No. 5 prospect)
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as Boston would acquire Areando for a top prospect and an MLB player.
Arenado would be the Red Sox’s starting third baseman which would shift Rafael Devers to first base or DH. The third baseman is entering the sixth year of his eight-year $260 million deal. Arenado is an eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner as he would bolster Boston’s defense at third. In 2024 with the Cardinals, he hit .272 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs.
In return, Boston would send Yoshida to St. Louis who hasn’t lived up to expectations. The Red Sox signed Yoshida in December of 2022 to a five-year $90 million deal. The Japanese outfielder was expected to be a big bat, but he has struggled to adjust to the majors. He was primarily used as a DH in 2024 as he hit .280 with 10 home runs and 56 RBIs as the power hasn’t been there.
Cespedes, the Red Sox’s fifth-ranked prospect, would be a major component of the Cardinals’ comeback. In 2023, the shortstop signed as a free agent from abroad. He hit.319 with five home runs and twenty-four RBIs in Rookie Ball last season, and he is predicted to make it to the majors in 2028.
The Red Sox should acquire Arenado, according to an analyst.
Given that St. Louis wants to terminate Arenado’s contract, the suggested agreement does make sense for all parties. Boston, on the other hand, simply has to give up their fifth-ranked prospect and is released from Yoshida’s contract in exchange for a great third baseman.
Rymer, meanwhile, thinks the move would make the Red Sox a much better team.
Rafael Devers moving to first base and Arenado at third base would improve the Red Sox’s infield defense, even though he is not a great fit for the team. Boston has been searching for a right-handed stick, and Arenado has it. Yoshida, meanwhile, needs to aim for back-to-back seasons with 1.4-rWAR. In this instance, his departure would allow Triston Casas to take over as DH,” Rymer stated.
As for the Cardinals, Rymer believes St. Louis would benefit from getting off of Arenado’s contract. They also would get a prospect in Cespedes which is the key reason for St. Louis pulling the trigger on the trade.
“Frankly, Arenado’s trade value is so diminished that they may not have a choice. At least they’d save some money in this deal. Yoshida is owed $55.8 million, whereas the Cardinals owe Arenado $64 million,” Rymer wrote. “This would otherwise be a prospect purchase for the Cardinals, with the 19-year-old Cespedes bringing a strong bat to St. Louis’ system.”
Arenado’s Favorite Destination is Boston
Throughout the winter, Arenado’s name has been included in trade discussions.
A deal to the Houston Astros was blocked by the third baseman using his no-trade clause. Arenado wants to be dealt to Boston, according to Chris Costillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive.
“According to industry sources on Sunday, Boston is a preferred destination, if not the favored destination, for Arenado, a hot trade prospect with a complete no-trade clause,” the story stated. The 33-year-old has previously used that provision to take charge of his destiny once, thwarting a late-December trade to Houston. Arenado would not think twice about accepting the deal if the Red Sox and Cardinals were on equal terms.
Arenado is a three-time NL home run leader and a five-time Silver Slugger winner.
