Red Sox bullpen shuffle explained. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has not wasted any time leaving his imprint on the organization this offseason.
Since taking control of baseball operations, Breslow has shown a clear willingness to engage aggressively on the trade market, particularly with one familiar partner: the St. Louis Cardinals. Boston has already completed two notable deals with St. Louis, acquiring right-handed starter Sonny Gray and veteran first baseman Willson Contreras.
Those moves have sparked a broader question around the league: could the Red Sox and Cardinals link up for a third time this winter—one that potentially solves Boston’s looming uncertainty at third base?
Alex Bregman Remains the Ideal Outcome
To be clear, Boston’s first choice remains obvious. The organization would prefer to bring back Alex Bregman, who quickly became a cornerstone during his first season in a Red Sox uniform. On the field, Bregman delivered the kind of steady production and leadership Boston hoped for when they initially brought him aboard. Off the field, he earned rave reviews for his professionalism, preparation, and impact inside the clubhouse.
From Boston’s perspective, re-signing Bregman would provide continuity and certainty at a premium position. He remains one of the league’s most reliable third basemen, offering consistent power, elite plate discipline, and strong defense. In a lineup that has been searching for dependable right-handed offense, Bregman checks virtually every box.
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The problem, however, is that Boston is far from alone in its admiration. Interest in Bregman has begun to swell across Major League Baseball, and the longer he remains unsigned, the more likely it becomes that a bidding war could emerge. That reality complicates matters for a Red Sox front office that has shown caution when it comes to long-term, nine-figure commitments.
If another club is willing to outbid Boston—either in years, total value, or both—the Red Sox will need a contingency plan.
Enter Nolan Arenado as a Potential Alternative
If Bregman ultimately signs elsewhere, one name continues to surface as a possible fallback option: Nolan Arenado.
Arenado, long regarded as one of the best third basemen of his generation, is nearing the final stages of a remarkable career. At 34 years old, he is no longer the dominant force he once was, and his recent production reflects that reality. During the 2025 season, Arenado posted a career-low .237 batting average, accompanied by 12 home runs, 52 runs batted in, and a .666 OPS—numbers that marked his least productive full season since his rookie campaign in 2013 (excluding the shortened 2020 season).
There’s no sugarcoating it: Arenado is clearly past his peak.
Remembering the Prime Version of Arenado
Still, any discussion of Arenado must be framed within the context of what he has accomplished. At his best, he was one of baseball’s most complete players. Over the course of his prime, Arenado finished in the top 10 of MVP voting six times, a testament to both his consistency and his overall impact on the game.
His defensive résumé is nearly unmatched. Arenado has been selected to eight All-Star teams, won 10 Gold Glove Awards, six Platinum Gloves, and five Silver Slugger Awards. For nearly a decade, he set the standard at third base, combining elite defense with middle-of-the-order power.
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That version of Arenado no longer exists—but the player who remains still brings value in specific contexts.
The Contract Factor Changes the Equation
What makes Arenado particularly intriguing for Boston is not necessarily what he is now, but what his contract represents. Arenado has just two years and $42 million remaining on his current deal. For a team wary of locking itself into a lengthy commitment, that shorter timeline is appealing.
In contrast to the long-term financial obligation that would come with re-signing Bregman, acquiring Arenado would offer Boston a defined window. The Red Sox bullpen shuffle explained could plug him in at third base for the next two seasons while allowing one of their top infield prospects—such as Marcelo Mayer or Franklin Arias—to continue developing at the minor-league level.
From a roster construction standpoint, that bridge strategy has logic.
Balancing Decline With Stability
While Arenado’s offensive decline is undeniable, his defensive skills remain a positive. Even as his bat has slowed, he still grades out as a solid presence at third base, capable of providing reliability on the left side of the infield. For a Red Sox team that has struggled defensively in recent seasons, that steadiness carries real value.
Offensively, expectations would need to be tempered. Arenado is no longer a player who should be relied upon to anchor the lineup or carry the offense. Instead, Boston would be betting that a change of scenery—and perhaps a more hitter-friendly environment—could help him regain some measure of effectiveness.
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Even a modest bounce-back, paired with strong defense and veteran leadership, could justify the investment given the relatively short contract.
Trade Buzz Is Already Out There
The idea of a Red Sox–Cardinals deal involving Arenado is not merely speculation. Last month, The Boston Globe’s Tim Healey reported that Boston was among the teams monitoring Arenado’s situation. Similar reporting surfaced from The Athletic, further fueling the notion that this scenario is at least being explored behind the scenes.
According to a report from Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal, and Katie Woo, Arenado had previously identified Boston as one of the limited number of teams he would approve for a trade.
That detail matters. Arenado holds a degree of control over his destination, and the fact that Boston remains on his list keeps the door open.
Breslow’s Comfort With St. Louis Is a Factor
Another element working in Boston’s favor is Breslow’s apparent comfort level dealing with the Cardinals. The two organizations have already completed multiple transactions this winter, suggesting a level of trust and alignment between the front offices.
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The situation in St. Louis also lends itself to movement. The Cardinals are in a transitional phase, and their front office is being overseen by Chaim Bloom, Boston’s former chief baseball officer. Bloom is well-acquainted with the Red Sox farm system, which could facilitate trade discussions centered around prospects.
If St. Louis is motivated to shed salary or retool its roster, Arenado’s contract could be part of that process.
The Financial Reality for Boston
One thing has become increasingly clear this offseason: the Red Sox are not eager to hand out massive contracts. While ownership has shown a willingness to spend when the situation demands it, there appears to be a preference for flexibility rather than long-term risk.
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That philosophy puts Bregman’s market in a difficult light. If his price climbs into nine-figure territory with significant years attached, Boston may decide the cost outweighs the benefit.
Arenado, by contrast, represents a more controlled financial commitment. The shorter term reduces long-term risk, and the salary, while substantial, would not hamstring future spending.
Production vs. Philosophy
From a pure baseball standpoint, Bregman remains the superior option. He is younger, more productive, and better suited to anchor a competitive lineup both now and in the future. If the decision were based solely on on-field performance, the choice would be straightforward.
But front offices rarely operate in a vacuum.
Arenado aligns more closely with Boston’s apparent strategic vision: maintain competitiveness while protecting future flexibility, allow prospects time to mature, and avoid contracts that could become burdensome down the line.
A Calculated Gamble
Trading for Arenado would not be without risk. His declining offensive output could continue, and Boston would need to accept that reality. The Red Sox would also have to part with assets—likely prospects or controllable players—to complete the deal.
Still, the gamble is a manageable one.
If Arenado can stabilize the position, provide leadership, and hold down third base for two seasons, the move could be viewed as a success—especially if it allows Boston to transition seamlessly to a younger option down the road.
Final Thought
Ultimately, this decision may come down to timing and leverage. If Bregman’s market softens, Boston could still land its preferred solution. If not, the Red Sox appear ready with an alternative that fits both their competitive window and financial philosophy.
Arenado may no longer be the superstar he once was, but in the right role and under the right circumstances, he could still serve a meaningful purpose in Boston. And given Breslow’s track record this offseason, it would not be surprising to see the Red Sox and Cardinals find common ground once again.
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