The Detroit Tigers own the best record in the American League and lead the AL Central by 12 1/2 games over the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians.
However, they could potentially use another bat to boost their lineup for a run down the stretch. They could use some help at third base.
They were one of the teams in the mix for Alex Bregman last offseason, but ultimately fell short in the sweepstakes. It wouldn’t hurt to look for another solution.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com proposed the idea of Detroit trading for Nolan Arenado at the deadline.
“There are a number of teams in the market for a third baseman — namely the Yankees and Tigers. Would the Cardinals move Arenado, and, more importantly, would the eight-time All-Star agree to a trade? Stay tuned,” Feinsand wrote.
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Arenado was almost traded last offseason. He nixed a trade to the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox were ultimately the ones to sign Bregman despite showing interest in Arenado.
The eight-time All-Star has struggled at the plate this season, slashing .247/.306/.395 with 10 home runs, 41 RBI and a .701 OPS. However, his defense remains elite, and he’s still enough of an impact bat to make a difference.
The St. Louis Cardinals would be able to clear some payroll space and open up third base for a younger player. Meanwhile, the Tigers would be adding a key veteran presence to a young clubhouse for a run down the stretch.
It all depends on whether Arenado would be willing to accept a trade to Detroit. They were not on his original list in the offseason, but now that they are at the top of the Junior Circuit, perhaps his opinion will have changed.
The Cardinals also are in contention, so a lot would have to happen for a trade to take place.
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