Sportscaster claims a Nolan Arenado trade hinges on Alex Bregman's free agency decision

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado seems to be a major trade candidate this offseason even though the Houston Astros failed to acquire him. MLB analyst Dallas Braden believes the destination of the eight-time All-Star depends on where Astros third baseman Alex Bregman lands after walking into free agency at the end of last season.

It's reported that Arenado used the full no-trade clause in his contract to block his move to the Houston Astros. The Astros have a vacancy to fill at third base after Bregman ended his stint with the team to become a free agent for the first time. Bregman has since declined a six-year, $156 million deal to rejoin his only team so far in the major leagues.

Therefore, Dallas Braden feels the future of Nolan Arenado will remain clouded until Alex Bregman signs up with any team. Brayden said on the Baseball Is Dead podcast for Underdog Fantasy:

"It could very well be a matter of what Alex Bregman is deciding to do. That would probably be going to be the piece that is more of a 'Hey, this is going to be a big factor in what we're trying to do, as opposed to being a complimentary piece to what we're trying to do.' That's who I think Alex Bregman is.

"It's fair to say that the suitors who are interested in Nolan Arenado are probably the same suitors for Alex Bregman," he added. "And they're more interested in the services of Alex Bregman. So what they get from him will ultimately determine how that relationship with Nolan Arenado plays out."

The Houston Astros have Isaac Predes as their only third baseman after acquiring him in the trade deal that sent All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs.

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Dallas Braden says Nolan Arenado wishes to join a genuine postseason contender

Nolan Arenado is a six-time Platinum Gllove winner (Image Source: Imagn)

Over his 12-year major league career with the Colorado Rockies and the St. Louis Cardinals, Arenado has racked up 10 Gold Gloves and five Silver Slugger awards.

He's also a three-time National League home run leader and has led the league in RBIs twice. However, he has never played in the World Series or come close to winning a league pennant.

"I believe he's in pursuit of, and there are no guarantees in this thing, a team that is positioned with odds north of 50% to find himself playing in October," Dallas Braden said.

Arenado had signed an eight-year, $260 million contract extension with the Rockies before joining the Cardinals in 2021. He's owed $74 million with three years remaining on his deal.