Nolan Arenado Rumors: Red Sox, These Teams Were On Star’s Shortlist

Nolan Arenado appeared close to becoming a member of the Boston Red Sox several times this offseason.

The St. Louis Cardinals infielder swirled in trade talks dating back to the winter meetings and Boston made sense for a potential deal on several occasions. Despite the flurry of interest, a deal never came to be with any team for Arenado.

The Athletic’s Cardinals beat writer Katie Woo provided more context Friday into Arenado’s preferences during the process that currently still has him with St. Louis.

“To help (John) Mozeliak’s search, Arenado presented him with a list of five teams he would consider waiving his no-trade clause for,” Woo wrote. “According to multiple league sources, that list named the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres and Houston Astros as possible destinations.”

The Red Sox did add a right-handed hitter who previously played as a primary third baseman, though it wasn’t Arenado. Instead, Boston signed Alex Bregman to a three-year deal for $120 million just days before the first spring training games.

Barring a last-minute blockbuster deal to send him elsewhere, Arenado and the Cardinals will visit the Red Sox for their home opener at Fenway Park on April 4.