The Boston Red Sox missed out on signing Juan Soto during free agency but have recently been linked to another superstar: Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals. Arenado is reportedly open to waiving his no-trade clause to join six teams, including the Red Sox. If Boston were to land the Cardinals’ third baseman, it could lead to significant changes in their roster. For example, the team might finally shift Rafael Devers to first base and consider trading young talent, Triston Casas.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer recently proposed a potential trade scenario to acquire Arenado, which would involve the Red Sox parting ways with designated hitter Masataka Yoshida and top prospect Yoeilin Cespedes. The proposed trade is structured as follows:
- Red Sox receive: Third baseman Nolan Arenado
- Cardinals receive: Designated hitter Masataka Yoshida and shortstop Yoeilin Cespedes (Boston’s No. 5 prospect)
Unlike other potential deals involving Arenado, this one wouldn’t necessarily require the Cardinals to absorb a portion of his sizable contract. Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million deal with the Colorado Rockies in 2019 before being traded to St. Louis. While his contract is substantial, the Red Sox would be able to offset it somewhat by moving Yoshida, who signed a five-year, $90 million deal in 2023 but has struggled to meet expectations.
In two MLB seasons, Yoshida has posted a .285 batting average and a .775 OPS, along with 25 home runs in 248 games. While these numbers are respectable, they fall short of what Boston envisioned when they signed him. During his time in Nippon Professional Baseball, Yoshida consistently surpassed 20 home runs in four of his last five seasons—a feat he has yet to achieve in Major League Baseball.
On the other hand, Arenado brings an elite track record to the table. He is an eight-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, 10-time Gold Glover, and six-time Platinum Glover. While 2024 was considered a “down season” for Arenado, he still managed to hit .272 with 16 home runs. Adding Arenado to the roster could provide the Red Sox with the star power they’ve been seeking this offseason.
From the Cardinals’ perspective, trading Arenado fits with their rebuilding strategy. Yoshida could serve as a reliable contributor to a younger team, while the addition of Yoeilin Cespedes would bolster their prospect pool.
This trade proposal highlights the opportunity for both teams to address their respective needs: the Red Sox could secure a superstar to anchor their infield, while the Cardinals gain a promising prospect and a capable player in Yoshida. Whether Boston will pull the trigger on this deal remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Arenado could be the transformative piece they need.
