Trevor Story Opens Up About Possible Nolan Arenado Red Sox Trade
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has been adamant about adding a right-handed bat to Boston’s lineup.
Trevor Story doesn’t need any convincing that Nolan Arenado would be the perfect fit to balance out the Red Sox order.
The Red Sox have been involved in trade rumors for Arenado throughout the offseason with the St. Louis Cardinals looking to move on from the star third baseman. Speculation heated up this week that Arenado, who has a full no-trade clause and reportedly blocked a deal that would have sent him to the Houston Astros, sees the Red Sox as his “preferred destination.”
Story certainly is on board with the Red Sox trading for his close friend — the two spent five seasons together with the Colorado Rockies — and becoming teammates with Arenado once again.
“Obviously that seems like a cool idea and we would love that,” Story told NESN.com on Tuesday. “I think he would thrive in Boston just given his intensity, his love for the game, his passion for the game. He’s a superstar, man. I don’t think we’re turning down anybody that wants to play in Boston and wants to do it. Obviously a cool idea, but a lot of things need to happen for that.”
Working out the trade compensation might be the trickiest part of getting Arenado to Boston. There’s also the 33-year-old’s contract, in which he has three years and $74 million left on it. MLB.com’s John Denton reported the trade could be contingent on the Cardinals swallowing some of of Arenado’s salary.
Story has had conversations with the Arenado about playing for the Red Sox, but wouldn’t get into specifics.
The Red Sox starting shortstop clearly sees the value Arenado could have with Boston. The eight-time All-Star would bring right-handed power to Boston’s lefty-dominant lineup and despite not being in the prime of his career anymore, playing at Fenway Park could rejuvenate Arenado after he hit .272 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs last season. Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, would also be a major upgrade defensively at third base, solidifying the left side of the infield alongside Story.
But for Story, what Arenado can provide the Red Sox goes beyond what he can do on the field.
“Nolan is one of my best friends and obviously when you hear that type of speculation, you can get excited about it a little bit,” Story said. “I just know the type of player that he is, the intensity that that he brings, just the work ethic that he can provide from a leadership standpoint, too. He’s one of the guys that I learned from.”