The Boston Red Sox are actively searching for a right-handed bat, and a proposed trade involving St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado has been circulating as a potential solution. According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Rymer, the trade would look like this:
Red Sox receive: Nolan Arenado and cash considerations
Cardinals receive: Vaughn Grissom and prospect Mikey Romero
This deal offers a win-win scenario for both teams, although it presents a few challenges for the Sox. The Cardinals would gain Grissom as a young player to anchor their rebuilding efforts, while Chaim Bloom, the former Red Sox executive now with St. Louis, would get back his former draft pick in Romero.
For the Red Sox, Arenado would provide the right-handed hitter they need. Last season, he posted a solid .272/.325/.394/.719 slash line with 23 doubles and 16 home runs. However, there are a couple of issues with this trade. First, Arenado is 33 years old, and with three years remaining on his contract, there is a risk that he may begin to regress, making this acquisition potentially less valuable in the long run.
Another challenge is Arenado’s position. He is primarily a third baseman, with some experience at first base, but both of these positions are currently occupied by star players the Red Sox have no intention of moving. This leaves the designated hitter spot, but in that case, the Sox would need to make a move with Masataka Yoshida, and Arenado’s elite defensive skills would go unused.
While the trade concept offers some promise, the Red Sox may want to consider other options, as this move raises concerns about position conflicts and the long-term value of Arenado.
