Cardinals, Red Sox trade pitch lands $90 million star in deal for Nolan Arenado

The St. Louis Cardinals are headed for their rebuild and could dump some of their veteran players. The Boston Red Sox could move one of their more expensive players to bring Nolan Arenado to Boston.

FanSided's Mark Ruelle listed the Cardinals as a potential landing spot for Masataka Yoshida as part of a deal for Arenado. Arenado has a no-trade clause and would have to approve a deal to the Red Sox.

"This might be a pipe dream but the Red Sox could try and include Yoshida in any package that might net them third baseman Nolan Arenado. The Cardinals will be losing some pop by letting go of Arenado and would consider Yoshida at a reduced rate," wrote Ruelle. "He could plug in as part of a platoon outfield situation and DH. The Red Sox will certainly have to pony up some prospects to net Arenado but it would be worth a try to include Yoshida in any offer."

Yoshida has not lived up to his contract so far with the Red Sox. He signed a five-year, $90 million deal in 2023. He has hit 25 home runs and collected 128 RBIs since signing. He had 133 home runs in seven Nippon Professional Baseball seasons.

The Cardinals are trying to get younger and clear some payroll. Perhaps adding a 31-year-old designated hitter is not the best option. However, getting a big league bat with a slew of prospects could help the Cardinals field a more competitive team in 2025.

More MLB: Cubs, Red Sox trade pitch rips $90 million star away from Boston