In a recent development that has captured the attention of baseball fans and analysts, the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros have engaged in renewed discussions regarding veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Despite the initial excitement, reports from Chandler Rome and Katie Woo of The Athletic indicate that these talks have not gained significant traction.
This article delves into the complexities surrounding the potential trade, the current status of both teams, and the implications for the upcoming MLB season.
Cardinals and Astros: No Traction in Nolan Arenado Trade Talks
The Cardinals and Astros recently re-engaged in trade discussions involving Nolan Arenado following Alex Bregman’s signing with the Boston Red Sox.
According to Rome and Woo, these discussions were brief and did not progress significantly.
Despite the Astros’ efforts to reignite talks, Arenado’s stance on waiving his no-trade clause to join Houston has not changed.
This aligns with Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak’s comments, suggesting that a deal is not imminent.
Initial Discussions and Roadblocks
When Arenado first blocked a trade to Houston back in December, it was emphasized that his reluctance was not final.
He wanted to survey his market and see how the Astros planned to improve their roster after trading Kyle Tucker to the Cubs.
The recent departure of Bregman to Boston has left the Astros with a clear need at third base, making Arenado a prime target once again.
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However, the renewed discussions have hit a snag, with sources describing the possibility of a deal as a long shot.
Potential Landing Spots for Arenado
With the Red Sox, Padres, and Dodgers unlikely to pursue Arenado due to their full infield rosters, the Yankees emerged as a potential suitor.
However, talks between New York and St. Louis have stalled due to the Yankees’ reluctance to exceed their current payroll.
This leaves the Astros as the most viable option, but Arenado’s approval remains a significant hurdle.
Astros’ Lineup Concerns
The Astros’ pursuit of Arenado highlights the questions surrounding their lineup.
Longtime second baseman Jose Altuve appears to be moving towards playing left field part-time.
If Arenado were to join, Isaac Paredes would likely slide from third base to second, accommodating Arenado.
This shift would leave the Astros thin in the infield, with only Mauricio Dubon and non-roster invitees like Brendan Rodgers and Luis Guillorme available to back up the infield.
Astros’ Outfield and Free Agent Options
Even if Altuve remains at second base, the Astros are still in need of a bat.
Jake Meyers is set to be the regular center fielder, with Ben Gamel and Chas McCormick handling the outfield corners.
Both Gamel and McCormick have significant platoon splits, making the addition of a part-time outfield bat a prudent move.
Free agent options are limited, with Jose Iglesias and Whit Merrifield as the best infield pieces available, and Alex Verdugo, Mark Canha, and David Peralta among the few outfield options remaining.
Trade Market Alternatives
With rosters largely set for the upcoming season, it’s unclear what players could still be available on the trade market that would represent a substantial improvement for the Astros.
The team might need to explore creative solutions or wait until mid-season to reassess their options, especially if Arenado remains with the Cardinals through the first half of the season.
Future Considerations for Arenado and the Cardinals
As the season progresses, both Arenado and the Cardinals will have a clearer picture of their standing in the NL Central division and the overall MLB landscape.
Arenado may choose to play out the first half of the season in St. Louis before reassessing his options.
This period will also allow the Cardinals to evaluate their position and potential trade scenarios more thoroughly.
Impact on the Cardinals’ Strategy
The Cardinals’ approach to the Arenado situation will be crucial in determining their strategy for the season.
If they remain competitive in the NL Central, they may opt to keep Arenado and focus on strengthening their roster for a playoff push.
Conversely, if they struggle, they might revisit trade discussions to acquire valuable assets for a rebuild.
Conclusion
The ongoing trade discussions between the Cardinals and Astros regarding Nolan Arenado have yet to gain significant traction. Arenado’s no-trade clause and the complexities of both teams’ rosters make the situation fluid.
As the season unfolds, both teams will need to reassess their strategies and make decisions that align with their long-term goals.
For now, fans and analysts will continue to monitor the developments closely, anticipating how this potential trade could reshape the MLB landscape.
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