The Boston Red Sox have yet to secure the kind of blockbuster free agent that both their fans and franchise players have been calling for.
Last offseason, the front office promised an aggressive approach but fell short of expectations, leading to fans booing executives at an event and third baseman Rafael Devers urging management to “make an adjustment to help us win” before the 2024 season.
This winter, the Red Sox have an opportunity to shift the narrative. They’ve been linked to high-profile free agents like Juan Soto and Blake Snell, who are expected to demand lucrative contracts ahead of 2025. Alternatively, they could pursue bold moves in the trade market. Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer suggested a potential deal with the St. Louis Cardinals that would bring eight-time All-Star Nolan Arenado to Boston in exchange for Masataka Yoshida.
“The Red Sox have a strong lineup, but it could be more balanced, offering both quality defense and offensive power,” Rymer argued. “Even at this stage of his career, Nolan Arenado could provide Boston with a significant boost in both areas.”
Arenado, a career .285/.342/.515 hitter, has won 10 Gold Glove Awards over 12 MLB seasons, establishing himself as one of the league’s best defensive third basemen. In 2024, he hit .272/.325/.394 for the Cardinals with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs while leading the majors in fielding percentage at third base (.977). At 33, he still appears capable of contributing, though his remaining contract—$52 million over three years—could pose a challenge.
The Red Sox might get more value from Arenado than the Cardinals, as his right-handed bat would fit well in Fenway Park, especially given his ability to pull balls to left field. Additionally, taking on Arenado could solve another issue for Boston.
“If the Red Sox had Arenado at third, they could shift Rafael Devers to first base,” Rymer noted. “This move feels inevitable, as Devers has shown limited defensive improvement at third.”
For the Cardinals, the primary incentive for such a trade would be shedding Arenado’s contract to aid their rebuild. Yoshida, despite underperforming relative to the five-year, $90 million deal he signed with Boston in 2022, could represent a younger, more cost-effective option with room for growth. If both teams see potential in the swap, it might become a win-win scenario.
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