Whereas a report earlier right now revealed that the Cardinals and Astros have resumed discussions concerning veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado, a report from Chandler Rome and Katie Woo of The Athletic this night has solid doubt on the probability of a deal coming collectively. Based on Rome and Woo, though the perimeters did re-engage about Arenado within the aftermath of Alex Bregman signing with the Purple Sox, these renewed discussions had been “transient” and that there was no traction gained on a deal between the perimeters. Rome and Woo add that Arenado’s stance on waiving his no-trade clause to affix the Astros has not modified so far.
The report meshes with feedback from president of baseball operations John Mozeliak earlier right now, during which he prompt to reporters that he didn’t really feel something was “imminent” concerning Arenado. Rome and Woo go on to relay that sources described the potential of a deal coming collectively between the 2 groups as a “lengthy shot,” including {that a} deal the perimeters mentioned involving Arenado was thought-about a “non-starter.” Provided that description of talks between the 2 sides, it’s not totally clear if Arenado has been approached by St. Louis brass about the potential of approving a commerce to Houston for the reason that Astros tried to reignite talks or if discussions between the perimeters didn’t advance far sufficient for Mozeliak to even broach the topic along with his veteran star.
Even when Arenado first blocked a commerce to Houston again in December, reporting was fast to emphasise that Arenado’s reluctance to approve the commerce was not essentially a closing choice and that he hoped to survey his personal market in addition to see how the Astros deliberate to enhance the membership after buying and selling star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs simply earlier than Arenado vetoed a potential transfer to Houston. Now that Bregman has landed in Boston, the Purple Sox be a part of the Padres and Dodgers as unlikely touchdown spots for the veteran because of their full infield mixes. The Yankees have a transparent gap at third base Arenado may step into pretty seamlessly, however talks between the Bronx and St. Louis have failed to realize traction because of New York’s unwillingness to spend a lot past their present payroll projection.
That leaves the Astros as the ultimate workforce reportedly on Arenado’s preliminary record of accredited suitors as issues stand. It’s doable that the shortage of clear various choices, in tandem with the Astros’ addition of Christian Walker to their infield combine, could be sufficient to persuade Arenado to approve a commerce to Houston. On the identical time, it’s totally doable that Arenado would favor to play the primary half of the season out in St. Louis at this level earlier than each he and Mozeliak reassess the scenario over the summer time, when St. Louis’s place in an unsettled NL Central division shall be extra clear and Arenado can have a extra concrete concept of which golf equipment are contenders for the approaching postseason.
Rome and Woo go on to notice that the Astros’ newest push to swing a deal for Arenado highlights the questions surrounding the Astros’ lineup at this level. Longtime second baseman Jose Altuve seems to be shifting in the direction of enjoying left subject at the very least on a part-time foundation, although a commerce for Arenado could be anticipated to make the veteran a full-time presence in left whereas Isaac Paredes slides from third base to second to accommodate Arenado. Ought to Altuve find yourself shifting to left subject for almost all of his reps this 12 months, that leaves the membership pretty skinny across the infield with solely Mauricio Dubon and non-roster invitees like Brendan Rodgers and Luis Guillorme obtainable to play second base on days Altuve is in left and/or again up the remainder of the membership’s infield combine.
Even when Altuve had been to stay at second base near full time, nevertheless, it may be argued the membership remains to be a bat quick. Jake Meyers seems poised to be the membership’s common middle fielder with Ben Gamel and Chas McCormick dealing with the outfield corners. Gamel and McCormick each characteristic important platoon splits, nevertheless, and including at the very least one part-time outfield bat to the combo appears prudent whether or not that’s the addition of Altuve to the outfield combine or an exterior addition ought to the veteran stay on the infield dust.
Free agent choices are comparatively scarce at this level within the calendar, with Jose Iglesias and Whit Merrifield the very best infield items nonetheless obtainable whereas Alex Verdugo, Mark Canha, and David Peralta are amongst a handful of outfield choices nonetheless in the marketplace. It’s additionally doable the Astros may search for different alternate options on the commerce market, although with rosters largely set for the approaching season it’s unclear what gamers may nonetheless be obtainable that may symbolize a considerable enchancment for the membership relative to their present scenario.
