The Houston Astros’ top priority this offseason has been to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman. He is a free agent after several great years in Houston, but there is no guarantee he will return.
As such, the Astros have also begun exploring other options, even St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Newsweek recently had an idea for a trade that would give Houston Arenado and send pitching prospects A.J. Blubaugh and Rhett Kouba to St. Louis.
“The first step in this deal would be getting Arenado to clear the trade to the Astros. With the Cardinals trying to discard him so aggressively, Arenado is likely to expand his list as the offseason pushes on.
In this deal, Houston lands Arenado to replace Bregman which would save them quite a bit of money. St. Louis is sending $20 million in the deal, which pays about 40 percent of his remaining deal. Instead of spending $200 million on Bregman, they acquire Arenado for two prospects.”
Arenado had a disappointing 2024 season, slashing .272/.325/.394 with an underwhelming .719 OPS. He also hit just 16 home runs, and his stats were a far cry from what they were in 2022 when he was an MVP finalist.
But perhaps a change of scenery and the chance to play for a winning organization could rejuvenate him in 2025. He still provides elite defense at third base, which could benefit the Astros.
This would also save them from having to spend big on Bregman and allow them to acquire a suitable replacement.
More MLB: Astros eyeing $260 million superstar to replace Alex Bregman
