Since Nolan Arenado, the 10-time Gold Glove winner, declined a trade to the Houston Astros in mid-December, trade talks surrounding him have slowed. However, speculation about possible trade scenarios continues, though fewer teams seem to be in the mix for Arenado. The Astros are likely out of the picture after acquiring Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes, while the Los Angeles Dodgers have committed to Max Muncy at third base. The New York Yankees are also content with Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Oswaldo Cabrera handling their infield roles, narrowing Arenado’s potential suitors.
One team still showing interest is the Boston Red Sox, which could be an ideal landing spot for Arenado, especially considering his impressive career numbers at Fenway Park (.333/.362/.704). If he joins, Arenado would be added to a strong roster, including players like Rafael Devers, Garrett Crochet, Triston Casas, Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, and Tanner Houck.
In a recent suggestion from Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer, Arenado and a cash amount would be sent to Boston in exchange for second baseman Vaughn Grissom and infield prospect Mikey Romero. Grissom, 23, has a .255/.309/.346 slash line and an OPS+ of 81 across 321 MLB at-bats. While his defense at second base and shortstop has been inconsistent, he remains under team control through 2029. Acquiring Grissom could allow the Cardinals to shift Nolan Gorman to third base, with Brendan Donovan taking on a utility role.
Mikey Romero, ranked as Boston’s 12th-best prospect, was drafted 24th overall in 2022. Despite dealing with some early back issues, Romero had a strong 2024 season, posting an .821 OPS with 16 home runs. He’s viewed as a high-IQ defender with good reactions and the potential to be a starting infielder, likely at second base.
If the Cardinals include a similar cash amount to what they reportedly offered Houston ($15-20 million), this trade could be a valuable one for St. Louis, securing a controllable MLB player in Grissom and a promising prospect in Romero.
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