Don’t look now, but the Boston Red Sox and all of the other MLB teams will soon begin spring training.
Additionally, it feels like the Red Sox’s offseason is still unfinished even though their catchers and pitchers report in two and a half weeks.
Indeed, the Red Sox made significant additions when they signed Walker Buehler and Aroldis Chapman in free agency and traded Garrett Crochet. However, they still lack a right-handed bat to complete the lineup, and it seems like they are lacking a component in the bullpen.
“After exhausting attempts to sign (Alex) Bregman, the Red Sox pivot to (Nolan) Arenado as the St. Louis Cardinals start to exhibit a bit of desperation with the season approaching,” wrote ESPN’s MLB analyst Jesse Rogers. “The fit in St. Louis just isn’t right anymore, and everyone knows it. The Cardinals aren’t concerned with money owed to Arenado, so they’re willing to pick up a portion of it because they want quality prospects in return. Boston can deliver that.
According to the most recent sources, the Red Sox appear to be at a standstill with Bregman; thus, Arenado is their next best chance to get an impact right-hander hitter.
Of course, trading for Arenado would create some complications for Boston’s infield. The Red Sox would need to find another spot on the diamond for Rafael Devers to play, which is easier said than done.
Arenado, who is owed $74 million over the next three seasons, would need to waive his no-trade clause to come to Boston — he already rejected a trade to the Houston Astros — and it’s been reported that the Red Sox are Arenado’s “preferred destination.“
And there’s at least one member of the Red Sox who would be thrilled to see Arenado in a Red Sox uniform.
“Obviously that seems like a cool idea, and we would love that,” Trevor Story told NESN.com earlier this month. “I think he would thrive in Boston just given his intensity, his love for the game, and his passion for the game. He’s a superstar, man. I don’t think we’re turning down anybody that wants to play in Boston and wants to do it. Obviously a cool idea, but a lot of things need to happen for that.”