Inside The Cardinals

Who Says No? Cardinals-Red Sox Post-Rafael Devers Proposal

Could there be another big move on the way?
Patrick McAvoy|
May 18, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; A Boston Red Sox hat and glove rests on the railing by the dugout prior to a game against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
May 18, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; A Boston Red Sox hat and glove rests on the railing by the dugout prior to a game against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

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Trade season has kicked off early in Major League Baseball.

The Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants pulled off a stunner as All-Star slugger Rafael Devers was shipped out of town. Boston got four pieces in return, including former Cardinals flamethrower Jordan Hicks.

Boston traded Devers amid growing drama in the organization. Although the organization may have cut ties with some drama, they did lose some significant power in the middle of the lineup. Since the trade, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow made it clear that Boston isn't selling. Boston freed up plenty of cash by getting rid of Devers and now has a need in the middle of the lineup. So, what's next?

That's where the St. Louis Cardinals could make sense.

Cardinals star Nolan Arenado was tied to Boston all offseason but that ended once Alex Bregman signed with the organization. During the offseason, it was shared that Arenado would be willing to move over to first base for a team.

The Cardinals don't look like sellers. They are 38-35 on the season so far. While this is the case, there is a world in which the Cardinals could still contend for a playoff spot even with Arenado moved. A trade would open the door for someone like Thomas Saggese or more consistent playing time for Nolan Gorman.

Here is a mock Cardinals-Red Sox trade involving Arenado:

Cardinals receive: Infielder Mikey Romero (Red Sox No. 12 prospect), Infielder Blaze Jordan (Red Sox No. 29 prospect), $5 million

Red Sox receive: Infielder Nolan Arenado

This is just a hypothetical deal. It's probably not perfect, but the Red Sox would give the Cardinals two interesting prospects and a little bit of cash to offset some of the rest of his contract. Boston would get a big-name player under contract through the end of the 2027 season.

More MLB: Cardinals Special Prospect Took Step On Road To St. Louis

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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu

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