As the MLB season progresses, Nolan Arenado remains at the forefront of trade discussions, particularly with the St. Louis Cardinals struggling to find their footing at an 8-9 record. The excitement that surrounded their early games has faded, leading many to speculate that the team might pivot towards a selling strategy to rebuild.
In this context, the Chicago Cubs could be setting their sights on Arenado, making a call to their division rival for a potential trade. The timing here is crucial, as the Cubs have jumped out to a solid 12-8 start, leading the Central Division and positioning themselves as genuine contenders this year. However, they’re grappling with a pressing issue at third base that needs addressing if they’re to capitalize on their promising start.
Matt Shaw, who struggled defensively and offensively, has already been demoted to Triple-A, leaving Justin Turner to fill the void. While Turner has experience, he’s best suited for designated hitter duties at this stage in his career, making the Cubs’ pursuit of a more stable third base solution essential.
Enter Nolan Arenado. With a stellar batting line of .311/.400/.508 this season, Arenado continues to showcase his elite skill set despite being 34 years old. His defensive prowess coupled with his offensive capabilities would not only solidify the Cubs’ infield but also inject the lineup with the power they desperately need.
A trade for Arenado, although tricky given the intra-division dynamics, could be the catalyst that propels the Cubs closer to the top of the standings. With the franchise aiming for a deeper playoff run, adding a talent like Arenado could transform their season and elevate them as serious contenders in a competitive landscape. Keep an eye on this developing situation—it has the potential to reshape the Central Division and possibly the entire league.