The hot corner has been one of the hottest topics for the Red Sox this season. From endless debates on Alex Bregman‘s position, the attention has now shifted. With speculation mounting about Bregman potentially opting out, analysts are already looking toward potential replacements. As per one of the insiders, an All-Star from the Cardinals might be the perfect solution.

Nolan Arenado. The $260M 3B, who received a standing ovation from 32,723 fans during the final home game of the season against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sept 21. The moment felt like a farewell.

Now, on an MLB Network discussion, that moment quickly began the trade talk. “You look at the potential fits for him in a trade,” Morosi explained. “Last wintertime, we heard a lot about the Mariners and the Tigers as being possible fits. I do think those fits could happen still again this winter if, again, you would imagine the Cardinals have to kick in a fair amount of the money to make that contract a little more movable. And then one more team I’ll mention, the Boston Red Sox, a team that, of course, Alex Bregman can opt out. A much better hitting circumstance, you would imagine, for Arenado in Boston.”

Arenado is considered one of the best third basemen in baseball. He hit his 300th home run in 2023 and was named to the All-Star team for the eighth time that year. However, the last few years haven’t been good for him.

In 2024, he hit .272 with 157 hits, 16 home runs, 71 RBIs, 70 runs scored, in 152 games. Meanwhile, in 2025, he hit about .236 with an OPS of about .655, with only 10 home runs and 49 RBIs in 103 games – the lowest dip in his career. But Boston and Arenado have been in trade talks before.

Earlier this season, Morosi said that the Red Sox and Cardinals had “recent communication” about the potential trade. The Cardinals expressed a desire to trade him, but it didn’t happen because they signed Bregman. However, a deal with the Houston Astros fell through in December when Arenado used his no-trade clause to block it.

He signed an 8-year, $260 million deal in 2019. Now, with three years and about $74M still owed on that contract, Arenado’s struggles have dropped his trade value enough that the Cardinals might have to pay part of his remaining salary to move him. If Boston shows interest and St. Louis covers enough money, he could end up in the Red Sox—as long as he agrees to the trade and everything works out.

But there’s another confession.

On the same night when #28 played his last home game, he said, “I’m anticipating probably not coming back. Obviously change is coming and it needs to come.” Now that’s a punchline! With Arenado’s future uncertain and his productivity declining, analysts view a potential trade as inevitable.

But nothing’s certain. Alex Bregman’s opt-out remains speculation, while Arenado’s return looks unlikely. If Arenado doesn’t change his mind, the Red Sox are ready—but only if Bregman chooses free agency.

Alex Bregman’s exit opens the door for Philly’s roster shakeup

If Alex Bregman doesn’t sign with the Red Sox this offseason, teams that need him and have money will be interested. The Philadelphia Phillies are one evident option.

According to reports, the Phillies might go after Bregman in free agency, especially if they lose Kyle Schwarber. However, it might be unlikely to sign both stars. So, if the Philly slugger doesn’t end up on the team, Breggy could be a productive replacement.

Bregman would be a good fit at third base for the Phillies, which would let Alec Bohm be dealt or moved to the outfield. That flexibility is appealing because Bohm isn’t always consistent. This deal could cost a lot of money in terms of pay and roster changes, but it would offer Philadelphia a proven hitter who can also play defense.

If the trade speculations about Arenado don’t lead to anything, Boston might lose Alex Bregman to free agency. Then, Philadelphia makes sense as the next stop. They have the drive, the roster space, and the money to stay competitive for years to come.

And between too many ifs, one thing is clear this offseason: The trade desk will show some unexpected turn of the tables.