Red Sox-Nolan Arenado Note Matters As Right-Handed Bat Market Thins

The Boston Red Sox still have a major decision to make before spring training starts next week.

The bullpen still has questions, but it’s a solid group with experience in the backend. The starting rotation is worlds better with Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler. The question comes down to whether or not the lineup is good enough.

There’s talent for sure with the Red Sox, but it’s easy to see what an experienced, impactful right-handed bat would do in terms of balance and production. Two notable updates came in that regard Tuesday when MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported a return to talks with the St. Louis Cardinals for third baseman Nolan Arenado. Hours later, the Arizona Diamondbacks signed Randal Grichuk, a platoon candidate with pop.

The potential fits are dwindling for the Red Sox. Pete Alonso doesn’t seem like a fit. Reunions with Justin Turner or Adam Duvall wouldn’t move the needle. This is about Arenado and Alex Bregman. To close the deal, Boston needs to do so before those players find new homes elsewhere.

Boston posted a top-10 offense (in OPS) every single season since 2018 and finished with the No. 7 lineup in baseball in 2024. The Red Sox are going to hit at a high level again in 2025. That should not leave the front office in a state of complacency. Boston needs an adult and a right-handed bat to balance the lineup.

It very well could be the difference for the Red Sox between fighting to the final game in the wild-card race and hosting playoff games at Fenway Park for the first time since 2021.