Life came at Nolan Arenado pretty fast last week.
A new report last Wednesday morning claimed the Red Sox and the Cardinals were “engaged in discussions” about a potential trade for Arenado. That had to have been an encouraging update for the veteran third baseman, who reportedly was “highly, highly motivated” to take his talents to Boston.
But mere hours after that report was put out, news broke about Alex Bregman’s contract agreement with the Red Sox. The sides finalized the free-agent deal Saturday, which effectively nixed Arenado’s chances of being traded to Boston.
The eight-time All-Star now is set to open the season in St. Louis, where he was actively shopped all offseason. Arenado’s no-trade clause gave him significant power in the Cardinals’ winter conversations, and he doesn’t intend to relinquish it despite any potential internal awkwardness.
“I’m not going to talk about who the teams were because it doesn’t really matter anymore, but so, yeah, there was about five teams, five or so,” Arenado told reporters Sunday, per ESPN. “I got a family now, and to be willing to pick up my family and move them, it has to be something that is worth it.
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“So that’s kind of why the list was fairly small, and I don’t see myself really changing that list ever.”
Although St. Louis seemingly was looking far and wide for an Arenado deal, the 33-year-old claims to be “excited” about getting to work with the Cardinals this spring, and he’s “really focusing on getting ready for the season.” As for Bregman, he seems pretty thrilled to be a member of the Red Sox.
Featured image via Jeff Curry/Imagn Images
