The St. Louis Cardinals went to great lengths this offseason to trade Nolan Arenado to a team he’d agree to join by waiving his no-trade clause, but their efforts fell short—whether due to limited interest from other clubs or Arenado having second thoughts about potential destinations.
One team he was reportedly open to joining was the Boston Red Sox. While Boston didn’t pursue him at the time, a major recent setback to their roster could now push them to reconsider and possibly target the veteran third baseman.
The injury to the Red Sox’ Triston Casas could lead Boston to pivot to Nolan Arenado.
A serious knee injury suffered during a collision at first base has sidelined Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas for the rest of the season, forcing Boston to urgently seek a long-term solution. There’s been ongoing speculation that the team may shift star third baseman Rafael Devers to first base — a move that could now be expedited, creating a significant void at third.
Nolan Arenado, coming off a disappointing 2024 season, has shown signs of improvement and could still bring value to a team willing to absorb part of his contract. The Cardinals have previously demanded that trade partners take on a substantial portion of Arenado’s remaining salary, but Boston’s current urgency — as a contender — might give St. Louis newfound leverage.
Chaim Bloom, the Cardinals’ incoming president of baseball operations and former Red Sox executive, is intimately familiar with Boston’s farm system, having overseen much of its construction. While John Mozeliak remains the Cardinals’ official head of baseball operations, Bloom should play a key role in any potential Arenado trade with Boston.
MLB.com recently ranked the Red Sox’s farm system third overall, and the Cardinals — seeking to replenish their pitching depth — will likely target high-upside arms. Boston prospects Luis Perales and David Sandlin, both hard-throwing pitchers, could be of particular interest.
Although Mozeliak has hinted at contending in 2025, the Cardinals’ current fourth-place standing in the NL Central at 17-19 makes a playoff push unlikely unless they win the division outright. With little margin for error, St. Louis must not let sentiment about Mozeliak’s final year interfere with practical decision-making. If Boston expresses serious interest in Arenado, the Cardinals should act quickly and decisively.