Impact of Red Sox-Alex Bregman deal felt by Reds' NL Central rival (not the Cubs)

After a long and drawn out free agency, Alex Bregman finally found a home. The two-time All-Star spurned the Chicago Cubs in favor of the Boston Red Sox. Bregman inked a three-year, $120 million pact with the Red Sox in a deal that includes two opt outs.

And while Cincinnati Reds fans were happy that Bregman decided to remain in the American League, at least one NL Central organization is in a bit of pickle. The St. Louis Cardinals have been seeking to trade third baseman Nolan Arenado all offseason, but Boston's deal for Bregman may have seriously derailed their plans.

Impact of Red Sox-Alex Bregman deal felt by Reds' NL Central rival

According to Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak, Arenado is likely to remain with St. Louis heading into Opening Day. The Cardinals brass have been trying hard to sell off some of their most expensive assets, but to date have had little to no success.

St. Louis has barely spent a dime in free agency this offseason. The Cardinals spoke about offloading the contracts of former Reds pitcher Sonny Gray and All-Star catcher Willson Contreras, but both players exercised their no-trade clauses and will begin the year in the Gateway City. Earlier this offseason, St. Louis had a deal in place that would've sent Arenado to the Houston Astros, but the Gold Glove Award-winner nixed it.

Arenado still has three years remaining on the nine-year, $275 million deal he signed with the Colorado Rockies back in 2019. The veteran was a top-tier player during his first two seasons in St. Louis, and while still a solid contributor, Arenado's offensive production has dropped of significantly since 2023. The last two seasons saw the 33-year-old post a 104 OPS+ after recording a 134 OPS+ during his first two years with the Cardinals organization.

While St. Louis would just as soon move on from Arenado, the Reds would probably be happy if he exited stage left too. Arenado has been a thorn in the side of the Reds over the years. In 101 games against Cincinnati, Arenado owns a .308/.360/.564 slash line with 25 home runs and 67 RBI. In his 50 trips to Great American Ball Park, Arenado has an impressive .824 OPS.

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