Red Sox May Finally Have Fit for $260 Million Cardinals 8x All-Star

Red Sox May Finally Have Fit for $260 Million Cardinals 8x All-Star image

The Red Sox are scrambling to fill a massive hole at first base after Triston Casas underwent season-ending knee surgery last week. The promising slugger was carted off the field with what’s now been confirmed as a serious injury that will sideline him for the remainder of 2025.

Boston, still within striking distance of the Yankees in the AL East, can’t afford to let this derailment derail their playoff aspirations. They need a solution at first base – and fast.

Interestingly, the Sox were deep in talks with the Cardinals about Nolan Arenado before they ultimately landed Alex Bregman. Now, those conversations might be worth revisiting.

J.T. Buchheit of Redbird Rants believes Casas’ injury creates a perfect storm for St. Louis to move their veteran third baseman:

“Arenado has bounced back a bit from 2024, which was the worst year of his career in nearly every category, and he should hold some value to a team willing to take on some of his contract. The Cardinals were adamant on making whoever traded for Arenado eat a significant portion of his remaining salary, and with the Red Sox’ desperation as a team currently in a winning window, the Cardinals may finally be in a position of leverage in such a deal.”

This isn’t just idle speculation. Arenado actually included Boston on his list of acceptable trade destinations last offseason. He’s also reportedly open to shifting to first base – a move that would solve Boston’s immediate problem while keeping Bregman at third and Devers in the DH role.

The timing makes sense too. Boston’s championship window is wide open while the Cardinals, despite playing better baseball lately, remain on the fringes of contention. St. Louis might finally find the motivated trade partner they’ve been seeking.

Arenado’s right-handed swing could play beautifully at Fenway Park, where the Green Monster turns warning track flyouts into doubles. His defensive prowess would also help stabilize an infield that’s suddenly in flux.

The biggest hurdle remains Arenado’s contract. St. Louis has been insistent that any trade partner absorb a significant portion of his remaining salary. But with Boston’s urgency to replace Casas’ production and stay in the playoff hunt, they might be willing to take on more financial burden than they would have earlier in the year.

A deal isn’t imminent, but the pieces certainly fit. The Red Sox need a first baseman with pop, Arenado needs a change of scenery, and the Cardinals need to continue their retooling process. Sometimes baseball’s most impactful trades come from unexpected circumstances – and Casas’ unfortunate injury might just be the catalyst for this one.

Luke Bennett avatar
Luke Bennett
6 months ago