Should Red Sox Replace Alex Bregman With Nolan Arenado

The Boston Red Sox have already made noise this offseason. The next few months could totally reshape the left side of their infield.

With Alex Bregman’s future in Boston up in the air after 2025, the club’s looking at backup plans. One of the most intriguing options? Nolan Arenado, who still wears Cardinal red for now.

Red Sox Offseason Heats Up With Cardinals Connection

Craig Breslow, Boston’s chief baseball officer, hasn’t wasted any time. The Red Sox already pulled off a notable deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, landing Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras.

That move helped both the rotation and the catching corps in one shot. It also opened the door for more talks between the two teams.

With some trust and familiarity between these front offices, Boston and St. Louis suddenly feel like natural trade partners as the winter rolls on.

Bregman Extension Still the Top Priority

The Red Sox front office has one clear goal: re-signing Alex Bregman. In his first season with Boston, Bregman impressed everyone with his production, poise, and leadership in the clubhouse.

He quickly became a lineup staple and a fan favorite at third base. But the rest of the league is watching.

Several teams are expected to make serious offers for 2026 and beyond. Boston would love to keep him, but the bidding could get out of hand fast.

Nolan Arenado Emerges as a Backup Plan

If talks with Bregman drag on or fall apart, the Red Sox probably won’t just settle for a stopgap. They’re already linked to one of the most decorated third basemen of this era: Nolan Arenado of the Cardinals.

According to reports from The Boston Globe and The Athletic, Boston and St. Louis have discussed scenarios involving Arenado. The veteran has even approved Boston as a possible destination in his contract.

Arenado’s Decline Is Real, But So Is His Track Record

Arenado’s not the all-around force he used to be. At 34, his 2025 line was a career-low: .237 average, 12 home runs, 52 RBIs, and a .666 OPS.

That’s a far cry from his peak years in Colorado and St. Louis. Still, his résumé demands respect:

Even with less offense, Arenado’s defense remains elite. He can still anchor third for a contender.

Short-Term Contract, Long-Term Flexibility

One big draw for Boston is Arenado’s contract. He’s got just two years and $42 million left — not cheap, but not outrageous for a player with his history.

For a front office that’s wary of another huge long-term deal after Bregman, this setup makes sense. It keeps third base steady but doesn’t block the next wave of talent.

Protecting Top Prospects While Staying Competitive

The Red Sox farm system has some exciting infield prospects — Marcelo Mayer and Franklin Arias lead the way. Both could be part of the team’s future, but pushing them up too soon could backfire.

Adding Arenado would let Boston stay competitive now with a proven vet. It also gives Mayer, Arias, and others more time to develop at their own pace.

And once those prospects are ready, Boston keeps flexibility to shift gears.

St. Louis Ties and Front-Office Philosophy

One thing fueling this speculation is the comfort between the two teams’ leadership groups. St. Louis is now run by former Red Sox exec Chaim Bloom.

Breslow’s willingness to deal with the Cardinals shows there’s some trust and history there. Arenado fits Boston’s approach right now: shorter financial commitment, top-notch defense, and a veteran who can bridge the gap to the next era without locking the club into a long deal.

Bregman vs. Arenado: The Real Choice

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Bregman remains the superior option. He’s younger and brings more at the plate.

Bregman also fits better with a long-term offensive core. On the other hand, Arenado is a different kind of asset — he’s cheaper, comes with a shorter commitment, and brings less risk to the payroll down the road.

If Boston can keep Bregman, that’s clearly Plan A. But if he leaves, Arenado feels like a logical, attainable Plan B that keeps the team both competitive and flexible.

Breslow keeps reshaping the roster, and honestly, the Red Sox–Cardinals pipeline might shape not just this offseason, but the next few years at Fenway Park.

 
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