Reds provide Astros with tantalizing alternatives after Nolan Arenado trade collapses

The St. Louis Cardinals had it all worked out. Trade talks between the Cardinals and Houston Astros involving Nolan Arenado were said to be at the one-yard line, but the 10-time Gold Glove Award-winner pulled out a trump card and invoked his no-trade clause. The Cardinals will now have to look elsewhere in order to shed Arenado's salary.

But while the Cards are still scrambling to readjust the payroll ahead of next season, the Astros are the ones who suffered the most following the dissolution of the deal. The Astros were all set to have Arenado set up shop at the hot corner in Houston, but now they're right back to square one.

Reds provide Astros with tantalizing alternatives after Nolan Arenado trade collapses

Houston's pursuit of Arenado is a pretty clear sign that a reunion with Alex Bregman isn't in the cards. However, the Cincinnati Reds provide a number of intriguing alternatives if the Astros are still looking to upgrade their infield.

Even after parting with Jonathan India, one could make the case that the Reds still have one too many infielders. Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain aren't going anywhere, but if the price is right, it's difficult to see Nick Krall immediately hang up the phone if Astros GM Dana Brown inquires about the availability of Jeimer Candelario, Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer, or Christian Encarnacion-Strand.

Obviously Reds fans would love to see Candelario traded this offseason. After signing a three-year, $45 million free agent deal last winter, Candelario's first year in Cincinnati was a disaster. Plagued by injuries, the veteran infielder hit just .225/.279/.429 and appeared in only 112 games. That said, Candelario has a proven track record and would be an upgrade over most of Houston's young corner infielders.

Marte was another massive disappointment in 2024. The rookie was suspended for the first 80 games of the season due to PED use, and his performance upon his return was putrid. Marte still holds tremendous value as a young, controllable player, and the Astros could be tempted by the massive upside the former Reds' top prospect could provide at third base.

Reds' infielders Spencer Steer, Noelvi Marte & Jeimer Candelario could all be on the Astros' radar

Steer's name appeared in a fringe trade rumor this week. Though one of the more popular players on the team, Steer possesses the ability to play both first and third base — something that would be very captivating for an Astros squad who could use help at both corner infield spots.

If the Astros are comfortable with Isaac Paredes at third base, perhaps Encarnacion-Strand would be an enticing trade target for Houston. CES missed most of last season with a fractured wrist, but his right-handed swing could net 30-plus homers per season in in the Astros' home ballpark. The Reds are pretty bullish on Encarnacion-Strand, but the right trade package could pry him away from Cincy.

Obviously the Reds have numerous players who could fit what the Astros are looking for. Depending on the return, Houston could match up very well with Cincinnati. Outfield prospect Jacob Melton could be a tantalizing trade target for the Reds, as could the defensive-minded Chas McCormick. The Astros will be an interesting team to watch as the offseason continues to unfold.

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