It sounds like Nolan Arenado really wants to come to the Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have reportedly been in the market for a veteran infielder throughout the off-season, whether it’s with free agent Alex Bregman or a possible trade for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Recent reports and rumors suggest that not only is Arenado on the table for the Red Sox, but the veteran actually wants to go to Boston.
The most intriguing new report comes from ESPN’s Buster Olney, who says Arenado vetoed a potential trade to the Houston Astros. Olney has apparently heard from people close to Arenado, and has concluded that he prefers to go to Boston.
“They think he would really like the idea of going to the Red Sox, if Boston and the Cardinals work out terms,” Olney said. “Arenado’s current mindset: ‘Highly, highly motivated.'”
That’s good news for the Red Sox, and not just because they’d be adding a veteran infielder who can play Gold Glove defense and has a strong pedigree offensively. If Arenado tells the Cardinals it’s Boston or bust, then the Red Sox could leverage a deal that doesn’t involve too big of a package heading to St. Louis.
Harold Reynolds recently said on the MLB Network that the talks between the Red Sox and Cardinals are “real” and that at this point, the Cards would not want to go into spring training with Arenado on the roster. The first full-squad workout for the team is expected on Monday, Feb. 17. So, if they make a deal with the Red Sox, we’re probably less than two weeks away from that.
Arenado, 33, is not the same hitter he was earlier in his career. But as a right-handed bat going from the pitcher-friendly Busch Stadium to Fenway Park, perhaps he could improve upon the past two seasons (.746 OPS in 2023-24). His 104 OPS+, a stat that adjusts for factors beyond the hitter’s control like ballparks, in that span, suggests that he can still be a slightly above-average hitter. And Arenado, a seven-time Gold Glove winner at third base, would represent a defensive upgrade at third base over Rafael Devers.
His addition to the Red Sox lineup, and not to mention his veteran presence in the clubhouse, would have a chance to be value added. The question, however, is what the Red Sox are willing to give up, and whether it’s worth it. But it’s a good sign that he’s motivated to come here.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
