Top Red Sox Prospect Garnering Interest in Nolan Arenado Trade Talks

With about a week to go until Spring Training, the Boston Red Sox are still trying to figure out their third base position. The Red Sox want a defensive upgrade over Rafael Devers and have been heavily connected to former Houston Astros star Alex Bregman this winter.

While the two sides would seem to be a match, Bregman’s contract demands have put a stalemate on a potential deal. With Bregman in a holding pattern, the Red Sox have looked to alternative options including a trade for St. Louis Cardinals star Nolan Arenado.

Boston Red Sox Top Prospect Blaze Jordan Targeted in Nolan Arenado Trade Talks

MLB.com’s John Denton reported that the Red Sox have re-engaged the Cardinals in trade talks centered around Arenado in recent days. While Denton says the Red Sox would prefer to sign Bregman, Arenado may be their backup plan if they lose out on that bidding war and a deal could include first baseman Blaze Jordan.

Jordan is the Red Sox’ No. 22 prospect according to MLB.com and was Boston’s third-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. The 21-year-old reached Double-A Portland and hit .261/.305/.388 with seven homers and 61 RBI in 89 games for the Sea Dogs last season.

Triston Casas is currently at first base for the Red Sox but has been mentioned in trade rumors as the Red Sox were rumored to explore moving Devers to first base. If Devers sticks, it could block Jordan for playing time and make him expendable in a deal to acquire Arenado.

Even then, Denton mentions that there are several hurdles to clear including how much of the $64 million remaining on Arenado’s contract the Red Sox are willing to absorb.

“Initial trade talks in early January broke down when the Cardinals refused to pay as much as $20 million toward the balance of Arenado’s contract,” Denton wrote. “After failing to make much trade progress elsewhere throughout January, the Cardinals reengaged the Red Sox, Yankees and Dodgers about possible restructured deals for the star third baseman.”

Although there are obstacles, the Cardinals seem ready to make a deal in order to move Nolan Gorman back to his natural position at third base after splitting time between second base and designated hitter the past three seasons. St. Louis also acquired Michael Helman in a trade with the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, boosting their depth at third base.

Those moves could mean an Arenado trade is imminent before Opening Day. But it remains to be seen if the Red Sox will be the beneficiary of that deal or have to look elsewhere in the coming weeks.

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