The Houston Astros have reportedly been aggressive in their efforts to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman during free agency. While Bregman has been their top priority in recent weeks, it now appears Houston may be shifting gears. On Friday, the Astros traded outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for a package centered around third baseman Isaac Paredes. Paredes seems like a strong candidate to replace Bregman at third base in Houston. However, the Astros might have a bigger plan in the works.
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Astros have emerged as serious contenders in trade discussions for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, who is owed $52 million. Rome wrote, “In perhaps the clearest sign the organization is moving on from Alex Bregman, the Houston Astros have emerged as a serious suitor for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, multiple league sources told The Athletic on Saturday. No deal is believed to be imminent, but conversations between the Cardinals and Astros have increased since this week’s Winter Meetings in Dallas, during which Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak acknowledged he ‘intends to try’ moving Arenado.”
Acquiring Arenado would not only provide a defensive upgrade over both Bregman and Paredes but also allow Paredes to shift to first base, addressing another significant need for Houston. Arenado’s addition would solidify the Astros’ infield and provide a seamless transition from Bregman. Meanwhile, the Cardinals, eager to move Arenado, could make a deal relatively straightforward.
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