Nolan Arenado Rumors: Red Sox, Cardinals Facing This Obstacle

While Nolan Arenado appears to be fixated on the idea of playing for the Red Sox, a trade sending the star third baseman to Boston might not be incredibly likely.

Arenado has been viewed as somewhat of a backup plan for the Red Sox, who are rumored to be one of the finalists in the Alex Bregman sweepstakes. And in the event Boston and St. Louis agree on a deal framework involving the 10-time All-Star, Arenado reportedly would have his no-trade clause to call Fenway Park home.

A potential problem? The Red Sox and the Cardinals might not be seeing eye-to-eye on a very key aspect of negotiations.

“The Red Sox have yet to bite, not only because of the consequences of such a move — (Rafael) Devers shifting to a near-full-time designated hitter role — but because the Cardinals have not budged enough on the money they’re willing to send with the remaining three years and $64 million on Arenado’s contract,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote in a column published Tuesday.

Passan went on to explain the Red Sox’s interest in Arenado would be “iffy” if the Cardinals don’t eat more of the remaining money. And that makes plenty of sense when you’re talking about a 33-year-old who’s coming off a relatively down season and isn’t exactly a perfect fit with the club.

Not to mention, the Cardinals reportedly are “content to run it back” with Arenado, even after months of trade speculation. So, don’t be surprised if the third baseman’s rumor-filled offseason reaches an anticlimactic conclusion.