Nolan Arenado Hot Stove: MLB insider predicts 2 strong contenders for trade if Red Sox and Cardinals talks stall

The trade market is starting to heat up for St. Louis Cardinals' slugger Nolan Arenado. After plenty of free agents have come off the board, teams have started to turn to the 10-time Gold Glove Award winner.

Teams like the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets are interested. However, things with Boston have started to pick up steam.

If Boston and St. Louis cannot come to terms on a trade, MLB insider Jon Morosi points to two surprise teams. He could see the Detroit Tigers or Seattle Mariners reaching out to the Cardinals.

"Perhaps a team like the Mariners or a team like the Tigers. Both of them are known to be involved in the trade market for various bats that are still out there," said Morosi.

Both the Tigers and Mariners have offensive needs that would be helped by acquiring Arenado. Not only that, but he is also one of the best third basemen in the league.

"Arenado is at least open-minded to places like Detroit or Seattle in a way that he might not have been a month ago when more option were there in front of him," said Morosi.

MLB insider still believes Boston has the best chances to acquire Nolan Arenado

St. Louis Cardinals - Nolan Arenado (Photo via IMAGN)

A ton of teams are after Nolan Arenado and for good reason. During the 2024 season, he started 152 games, hitting .272/325/.394 with 16 home runs and 71 runs batted in.

Arenado is an experienced and well-decorated player. His 10 Gold Glove ranks him first among active players. Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts comes in at second, and he only has six.

The Red Sox are searching for right-handed batting and Arenado fits the bill. They are the team Morosi believes has the best chance.

"Yes, Boston is probably still top of the list. Competitive team, great place to hit. His swing would play really well there" said Morosi.

However, they would have to make some moves to make Arenado fit. They already have a great third baseman in Rafael Devers, so somebody would have to play elsewhere.

Devers could shift to first base, further putting Triston Casas on the trade market, but that is a position he has yet to play. He has played a few games at second base during his career, which opens up that opportunity.