According to Jon Denton, the Boston Red Sox have been linked as an ideal candidate for St. Louis Cardinals defensive gem Nolan Arenado. The Red Sox rumors continue to spark as they have also been linked to third baseman Alex Bregman. The Red Sox were also linked with Japanese star Roki Sasaki but that ship sailed as the Red Sox never had a meeting with the 23-year-old. This offseason, the Red Sox have amplified their pitching this offseason, landing White Sox ace Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler. They now need to focus on boosting their infield with a defensive gem. But what defines a defensive gem? A defensive gem stands out defensively through diving catches and skillful/masterful plays.
Red Sox Eyeing Cardinals Gold Glove Winner
Arenado the Answer to the Red Sox Infield Need
The Red Sox infield situation is in dire assistance of a defensive gem. Overall, Arenado would help fill that need for them. The Red Sox have also been linked as front-runners for Bregman. But Denton has made it apparent that if the Red Sox pass on the Bregman sweepstakes, they should focus on acquiring Arenado. Bregman has also been linked as a front-runner for the Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays. Arenado’s achievements make him more than qualified as a solid defensive addition. Across 12 MLB Seasons, Arenado has earned several awards for his dynamic skills not only on the field but also on the plate. He is a five-time Silver Slugger, eight-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner, and a six-time Platinum Glove winner.
Arenado has already discussed that he would waive his no-trade clause to land a deal with the Red Sox. If Arenado did get traded to the Red Sox it would require the Cardinals to eat up a good portion of his salary. In addition, if the Red Sox were to acquire Arenado, the discussion about moving Triston Casas has lingered. The Cardinals were willing to eat up $15 million in a Houston Astros trade with Casas. There is no question that Arenado would massively upgrade Boston’s infield defense. However, a significant factor that plays into this is what the Red Sox would gain in return for Casas. Casas sustains solid trade value, so the Red Sox would want to earn a quality player in return. Which defensive gem does the Red Sox focus on? Will it be Bregman or Arenado?
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