MLB Rumors: Before 2025 MLB Spring Training, the St. Louis Cardinals need to make the ideal trade.
The St. Louis Cardinals are at a turning point in their history. The general administration must make a crucial choice that could change the course of the team's future following a dismal 2024 season and a sluggish offseason. The Cardinals' biggest move before Spring Training is to trade Nolan Arenado to the Boston Red Sox because of impending budgetary restrictions and a squad that is undergoing change.
Arenado, one of his generation's top third basemen, is still a strong batsman and a superb defender. But at 33 and fresh off a poor season, he poses a challenge to the Cardinals' turnaround with his diminishing power numbers and $74 million salary over the following three seasons. The Red Sox are a perfect trade partner because they are in dire need of defensive stability and right-handed power.
The ideal trade would send Nolan Arenado to the Red Sox in return for monetary considerations, Masataka Yoshida, Blaze Jordan, Marcelo Mayer, David Sandlin, and Connelly Early. Both teams gain from this transfer, which takes care of important needs and puts each club in a better position going ahead.
Why does the Cardinals need to make this trade?
The Cardinals need financial flexibility more than anything else. After denying Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson's options and allowing Paul Goldschmidt to enter free agency, they have made it apparent that they plan to reduce payroll. By trading Arenado, they would be able to invest in other areas and free up a sizable amount of his contract.
In addition to the cash, the Boston return package might hasten St. Louis' retooling. The jewel in this bargain is Marcelo Mayer. Mayer, a consensus top-10 baseball player and the Red Sox's top prospect, has the potential to be the Cardinals' future shortstop. Mayer's potential as an all-around impact player is too great to ignore, even with Masyn Winn already on the team. This transaction greatly improves the organization's infield depth, regardless of whether they maintain both or use one in a future trade.
The Cardinals have a young power bat in Blaze Jordan that they may use at first base or third base. Given Goldschmidt's departure, St. Louis initially needs a long-term strategy, and given his natural strength, Jordan would be a great fit.
Connelly Early and David Sandlin support the team's pitching depth, which is its greatest shortcoming. Early appears to be a potent bullpen arm, while Sandlin in particular has intriguing potential as a mid-rotation starter. Masataka Yoshida would have an instant effect on the outfield for the Cardinals.
He offers exceptional contact skills and a left-handed bat that might balance St. Louis' lineup, despite his fielding being far from ideal. He might be traded for other assets at the trade deadline if he doesn't fit into their long-term plans. Most significantly, this move gives younger infielders like Masyn Winn, Thomas Saggese, Brendan Donovan, and Nolan Gorman more playing time. Arenado's retention prevents these players from developing, and the Cardinals need to see what they have in them.
Why should the Red Sox take the action?
Throughout the offseason, Boston has been looking for a right-handed power bat, and Arenado offers a top choice. The Red Sox could upgrade defensively at third base and acquire Arenado for a fraction of the cost, as Alex Bregman is requesting a $200 million contract in free agency.
Additionally, by moving Rafael Devers to designated hitter, Boston is able to preserve his outstanding bat in the lineup while lowering his defensive vulnerabilities. One of the team's greatest flaws would be transformed into a strength with Arenado's Gold Glove defense at third.
Arenado may become a 30-homer threat once more because to Fenway Park's right-handed hitter-friendly dimensions.
Although it would be noteworthy if Boston were prepared to include Marcelo Mayer in the deal, the Red Sox already have a number of young infielders on the horizon. They might consider Mayer expendable in favor of an established talent like Arenado, especially with Trevor Story at shortstop and Triston Casas at first base.
The Red Sox are also able to release Masataka Yoshida's contract as a result of this action. Although Yoshida's bat is excellent, his defensive shortcomings make him a difficult fit for Boston's outfield, and he is owed around $55.8 million over the next three years. The Red Sox might view this move as an improvement since it would essentially replace Yoshida's financial load with Arenado's.
Why is this deal necessary at this time?
It gets more difficult to move Arenado the longer the Cardinals keep him. His no-trade clause has already limited the Houston Astros' leverage by blocking a possible transaction. However, Arenado still prefers to play for the Red Sox, so St. Louis has a chance to take advantage of the open market.
The Cardinals' rebuild is stalled if Arenado is retained past Spring Training. Until his contract is terminated, they are unable to completely embrace their new course. They can now invest in young talent, rebuild the roster, and make future plans by trading him.
Boston believes that the third base market is getting smaller and that it will become more difficult to find a substitute the longer they wait. They must make a move to bolster their roster prior to Spring Training if they are serious about competing in the American League East.
The best potential outcome for both franchises is represented by this trade. Boston gets a future Hall of Famer for a fair price, while St. Louis receives the financial respite and young talent they sorely need.
Although Cardinals supporters may find it tough to leave with Arenado, the fact is that his contract and waning ability make this the ideal moment to let him go. This is a unique chance for the Red Sox to sign a proven great without having to sign a long-term mega-deal. The Cardinals need to act quickly since Spring Training is quickly approaching. This trade is ideal before the new season starts since it positions both teams for success in 2025 and beyond.
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