Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado arrived in camp with the Cardinals at the moment and spoke to the media, together with Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Submit-Dispatch, about an offseason the place his identify was probably the most steadily talked about within the rumor mill and what’s in retailer for him as he heads into Spring Coaching with a membership that actively sought to commerce him all through the winter. Chatting with reporters, Arenado made clear that his sole focus at this level is making ready for the approaching season.
“I’m again and I’m able to go play ball,” Arenado stated, as relayed by Goold. “I’m a ballplayer, and I’m a Cardinal, till I’m instructed I’m not. You already know what I imply? And that’s all there may be to it. And I’ve received a whole lot of work to do. I’ve received to be a greater ball participant, and that’s what I’m centered on.”
Whereas Arenado’s feedback didn’t fully shut the door on a commerce, it’s grow to be obvious that the Cardinals anticipate him to be their beginning third baseman on Opening Day at this level. Goold notes that there’s at the moment no momentum in the direction of a deal, and each Arenado and president of baseball operations John Mozeliak appear moderately comfy with the concept of the veteran third baseman sticking in St. Louis to begin the yr. Whereas Mozeliak acknowledged all through the offseason that buying and selling Arenado was his prime precedence, his tone relating to the scenario has shifted because the Crimson Sox landed Alex Bregman earlier this week, killing a possible deal between the edges that will have despatched Arenado to Boston.
With the Crimson Sox now off the desk as a possible suitor, Mozeliak prompt to reporters (together with Goold) that whereas the door isn’t completely closed on the potential of Arenado being moved, he’s now not in search of out potential commerce companions and can as an alternative wait to listen to from any groups which may have curiosity within the eight-time All-Star. That’s a smart name on condition that Arenado doesn’t appear motivated to develop the listing of groups he would take into account a commerce to. The veteran indicated to reporters that he’s “not going” to contemplate new locations at this level, including that he’s not fascinated about shifting his household only for the sake of leaving St. Louis and solely desires to go away for a group that’s nearer to contending for a championship.
There’s loads of groups that might be argued as nearer to championship-caliber than the Cardinals, however Arenado’s listing of groups he would approve a commerce to consists of 5 golf equipment or much less based on Goold. Precisely which golf equipment are included in that listing is unclear. The Astros had been as soon as considered on the listing, however Arenado blocked a commerce to Houston in December as a consequence of considerations relating to the membership’s aggressive path within the aftermath of the Kyle Tucker commerce. The Crimson Sox, Padres, and Dodgers are all extensively acknowledged as golf equipment Arenado would probably approve a commerce to, whereas the Yankees, Angels, Phillies, and Mets are among the many different groups which were rumored as potential choices Arenado may approve.
None of these groups seem particularly more likely to make a push for Arenado at this level. The Crimson Sox closed the outlet of their infield by including Bregman, whereas the Dodgers, Mets, and Phillies all additionally don’t have any room for an addition to their infield mixes as presently constructed. The Padres may plausibly add one other infielder, however with Manny Machado entrenched at third base Arenado could be an imperfect match. San Diego additionally doesn’t seem to have the price range house crucial so as to add a participant like Arenado to the payroll, and the identical might be stated of the Yankees till and except they will transfer veteran right-hander Marcus Stroman. The Angels, in the meantime, are a lot farther from rivalry than the opposite golf equipment Arenado is reportedly fascinated about becoming a member of and not too long ago signed Yoan Moncada to supplant highly-paid however oft-injured veteran Anthony Rendon at third base.
