The N
olan Arenado trade saga continues to surprise fans and insiders alike. After rejecting a potential move to the Houston Astros by exercising his no-trade clause, the All-Star third baseman has now hinted at a preferredNolan Arenado’s preferred suitor revealed, and it isn’t the expected AL East team destination—Boston. While most speculated that Arenado would gravitate toward an AL East powerhouse like the Yankees, recent reports suggest that the Red Sox are his favored team.
This revelation comes after Arenado’s initial hesitation to commit during the offseason, a decision that saw the Astros pivot to sign Christian Walker instead. The fallout from that decision not only left Arenado in limbo but also allowed the Red Sox to emerge as an unexpected contender. According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam, Boston might be Arenado’s top choice if a trade were to materialize. This choice raises eyebrows, especially considering the Yankees’ seemingly stronger roster and clearer need for a third baseman.
On paper, the Yankees boast a superior lineup, even after losing Juan Soto. Their acquisitions of Max Fried, Devin Williams, and Paul Goldschmidt have strengthened their squad. Meanwhile, the Red Sox have made notable moves, adding Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and Aroldis Chapman, but there’s still a significant gap between the two teams. Moreover, Boston already has Rafael Devers at third base, which complicates their fit for Arenado. A potential trade would likely require them to shift rising star Triston Casas, a move their management seems reluctant to make.
Another factor to consider is Arenado’s performance. At 33, he is coming off one of his less impressive seasons. While his skillset and Fenway Park’s layout may align well, questions remain about whether the Red Sox—or any team—would be willing to absorb the hefty remaining years of his contract. Complicating matters further, Alex Bregman remains a free agent, adding another layer of uncertainty to the third-base market.
As the MLB offseason unfolds, the Arenado situation highlights the dynamic nature of team-building strategies. Whether Boston or New York—or perhaps another team—steps up to pursue him, one thing is clear: Arenado’s next move will have a ripple effect on the league. For now, fans can only watch and wait as this intriguing chapter continues to develop.