Recent communications have occurred between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals regarding star third baseman Nolan Arenado, as reported by Jon Morosi of MLB Network. It has been noted that Chaim Bloom, the Cardinals' executive, possesses significant knowledge of Boston's prospects, suggesting that a possible trade between the two teams could have broader implications for the free agent market, specifically concerning Alex Bregman.

Bloom, who previously served as Boston's chief baseball officer from October 2019 until September 2023, is well-acquainted with the Red Sox farm system. Following his role in Boston, he took on an advisory position with the Cardinals last season and is expected to be promoted to president of baseball operations after the 2025 campaign. In his recent performance, Arenado, 33, experienced a slight decline relative to his established standards, finishing the 2024 season with a .272 batting average, 16 home runs, and 71 RBIs over 152 games. While he has consistently delivered strong performances in previous seasons, including registering 30 or more home runs in seven seasons, his total for the past two consecutive years, with 26 in 2023 and 16 in 2024, reflects a noteworthy downward trend in his power numbers. Additionally, Arenado's OPS has diminished for two straight seasons.

The Cardinals are undertaking a transition after failing to secure a postseason spot in the last two years. With veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt already signing with the New York Yankees this winter, the likelihood of an Arenado trade appears to be increasing. Arenado's desire to compete for a championship aligns with the Cardinals' goals of reducing payroll and creating opportunities for younger players during the rebuilding phase. While the potential separation seems advantageous for both parties, it is by no means a certainty. Current president of baseball operations John Mozeliak addressed concerns in January regarding any potential strain in the relationship if a trade were not to materialize, stating, 'He knows that we're trying, and he knows that he's going to have to try. So that part doesn't scare me at all.' Meanwhile, the Red Sox have actively pursued improvements this offseason, most notably acquiring starting pitcher Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. While the primary focus has been on shoring up the pitching staff, acquiring a highly regarded right-handed hitter and adept defensive infielder like Arenado could greatly enhance their roster. Such an addition would also likely impact Bregman's market, potentially reducing the available options for him as a free agent.