The St. Louis Cardinals made significant efforts this offseason to trade Nolan Arenado to a team he was open to joining by waiving his no-trade clause. Despite their persistence, they failed to complete a deal—whether due to a lack of interest from potential trade partners or a change of heart from Arenado. Among the teams he was reportedly willing to join was the Boston Red Sox. While Boston didn’t pursue him at the time, a recent major setback could force them to reconsider.
The Red Sox just lost Triston Casas for the season due to a serious knee injury sustained during a collision at first base. With the team now urgently searching for a long-term solution at first, they might revisit the idea of shifting Rafael Devers to first base—an idea previously floated—and filling third base with a proven veteran like Arenado.
After a down year in 2024, Arenado has shown signs of improvement in 2025, making him a more appealing option for a team willing to absorb part of his hefty contract. The Cardinals have been clear that any team acquiring Arenado must take on a significant portion of his remaining salary. Boston, currently positioned to win, could be desperate enough to consider it—putting the Cardinals in a stronger negotiating position than before.
Incoming Cardinals executive Chaim Bloom, formerly Boston’s head of baseball operations, is intimately familiar with the Red Sox’ system and players—many of whom he helped draft. While John Mozeliak still holds the top title in the front office, Bloom should play a key role if a deal with Boston materializes.
MLB.com ranks the Red Sox third in farm system strength, and the Cardinals will likely prioritize acquiring high-upside pitching prospects. Boston’s Luis Perales and David Sandlin, both power arms, would be ideal fits for St. Louis as they seek to bolster their minor league pitching depth.
Though Mozeliak has talked about contending in 2025, the Cardinals are currently fourth in the NL Central at 17-19. With little hope for a Wild Card spot, they’ll need to win the division outright to reach the playoffs. They shouldn’t let sentimental hopes of a postseason run in Mozeliak’s final season derail sound baseball decisions. If Boston reaches out about Arenado, St. Louis should jump at the opportunity to strike a deal.