Red Sox Rumors: How Alex Bregman Deal Crushed Nolan Arenado’s Hopes

The Red Sox reportedly were “engaged” in trade talks for Nolan Arenado, but all that quickly changed Wednesday night.

Boston reportedly agreed to a three-year, $120 million deal with Alex Bregman. The Red Sox got their right-handed bat and boosted their ceiling in the American League East. The reported deal created a knock-on effect where the St. Louis Cardinals were stuck looking for another trade partner.

That might prove difficult as top suitors like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t eager to acquire another star. The All-Star third baseman reportedly nixed a deal with the Houston Astros, dwindling his own market. There also reportedly is a “sticking point” when it comes to Arenado’s hefty contract. It’s why Boston was an ideal trade partner.

“Multiple industry sources described Boston as Arenado’s last legitimate landing place, which is why the Cardinals remained heavily engaged with the club,” The Athletic’s Katie Woo reported Thursday. “But when Bregman signed, St. Louis and Arenado saw the writing on the wall.”

Arenado reportedly was “highly, highly motivated” to join the Red Sox, one of the few teams he was willing to waive his no-trade clause for. Instead, the veteran faces the reality of staying in St. Louis after months of trade rumors.

Boston won’t have to deal with those problems after reportedly landing Bregman. It could make things interesting when the Red Sox play the Cardinals in their regular-season home opener on April 4.