We’re in May 2025, and since the last opening day, the Chicago Cubs have used 13 different starting third basemen. Yet, they couldn’t lock down a permanent fix. Naturally, now the Cubs are too desperate to do some fixing. Sure, at some given point, Matt Shaw will be recalled from Triple-A Iowa to be reinstated as the team’s everyday third baseman. But until then, the Cubs have an unresolved spot.
Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma from the Athletic have connected the dots on how exactly the Cubs have attempted to resolve this situation. Initially, they tried to pursue Alex Bregman. Of course, that never materialized, and he ended up with the Boston Red Sox for a 3-year, $120 million contract.
And on the wide end of the spectrum, anyway, there aren’t many strong all-around third basemen in the entire league. When it comes to the Cubs, FanGraphs has ranked their third base as 25th in baseball. On the offensive side, they are 20th with an 80 wRC+. Well, that’s decent. At least it’s not the bottom of the league.
But now, the Cubs are desperate enough to fix their 3B situation. So much that they even turned to their historic rivals. Reportedly, the Cubs have inquired about St. Louis Cardinals’ $260 million star Nolan Arenado for a potential trade.
Unsurprisingly, the Cardinals shut down the idea itself, at least for now. Well, that kinda makes sense.
After all, he’s a three-time All-Star, who is a gold-glove winner and the one to secure third place in NL MVP voting in 2022. So, for now, the Cubs will be using a platoon system. In a nutshell, that means the team will have to mix and match players at third base.
This will go on only till Matt Shaw readjusts his stance and swing to return to his regular form. And when it comes to Nolan Arenado, well, he doesn’t have a long time with the Cardinals, as well.
The Cardinals denied the Cubs, but they will still trade Nolan Arenado
Turns out, yes. The St. Louis Cardinals are fully on board to trade Nolan Arenado this winter, even though they turned their back on the Cubs!
His batting average sits at .271 with 16 homers and 71 RBIs. Not to forget, he’s a 10-time Gold Glove winner, too.
In recent developments, rumors say that the Cardinals have permitted Arenado’s agent, Wolfe, to help facilitate this trade. However, Arenado doesn’t want to be traded just anywhere. He has reportedly shared his preference. Any guesses?
It’s the Los Angeles Dodgers – his first choice. Wolfe reported, “He’s not going to go just anywhere. We hope something good happens.” The thing is, Arenando is not willing to move his family for anything temporary. He is looking for a long-term and right fit.
But the Dodgers are currently good with Max Muncy as their third baseman. Other options then…
Well, apart from the Cubs, several other teams, such as the Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, and Houston Astros, have shown interest in signing Arenado. Cardinals president John Mozeliak has himself reported that Arenado isn’t requesting a trade, but he believes, for the best interests of both sides, he’d like to find a suitable place because right now, the Cardinals are changing direction.
In fact, Arenado’s agent, Wolfe, has also reported that he is never really content. He always looks for more. Next season, he plans on having an MVP-caliber season.
Well, given the number of teams in line to sign him, it seems like he can definitely have such a season. What do you think?
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