The Houston Astros appear ready to part ways with their longtime third baseman, Alex Bregman, as they focus on finding a replacement.
Recently, Houston acquired corner infielder Isaac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs in a trade involving outfielder Kyle Tucker.
While Paredes can play first base, the Astros are eyeing a blockbuster trade for a third baseman, with St. Louis Cardinals star Nolan Arenado emerging as the top candidate.
Arenado, who has $52 million left on his contract, has a no-trade clause that initially limited the teams he would be willing to waive it for.
However, as the Cardinals look to offload Arenado’s hefty contract, it’s possible that he could expand his list of preferred teams, including the Astros.
If the trade were to happen, the Astros would send two promising pitching prospects, A.J. Blubaugh (No. 10 prospect) and Rhett Kouba (No. 25 prospect), to the Cardinals in exchange for Arenado.
In this potential deal, St. Louis would receive the two pitchers while unloading $32 million of Arenado’s remaining contract. Houston, on the other hand, would acquire the five-time Gold Glove winner and save on the cost of re-signing Bregman.
By bringing in Arenado, the Astros would bolster their roster while keeping their financial flexibility intact.
For the Cardinals, this trade represents a chance to free up significant salary space while adding two young pitching prospects who could help their rebuilding efforts.
Blubaugh, a 24-year-old right-hander, had an impressive 2024 season, and Kouba, despite a rough year, still holds potential as a buy-low candidate.
The trade would serve both teams’ needs, though much depends on whether Arenado is willing to waive his no-trade clause.
As the offseason progresses, the situation remains fluid, but this trade proposal could reshape the future for both the Astros and the Cardinals.
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