Well well well, the Nolan Arenado sweepstakes are back on! Just when you thought it could quiet down after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman and all the other suitors bowed out one after another, talks are back on.

One of the teams that have had interest in him is the Houston Astros. The Astros have been busy winter and it seems like they are still looking to add with Arenado.

Adding Arenado Would be Huge

It’s been a turning of a new leaf for the Astros. They’ve lost iconic franchise players in Bregman, Kyle Tucker (Cubs), and Ryan Pressley (Cubs). However, they did a good job of replacing their infield with first baseman Christian Walker and landing Isaac Paredes in the Tucker trade. That’s where things get interesting.

With the chance of bringing Bregman back, they would have moved Jose Altuve to the outfield. Not a bad move, considering you could slide Parades over to second base and you have Pena at short stop. Bringing in Arenado could have the same shuffle, as nobody mans the hot corner as good as he does.

In 2024, Arenado had the same number of defensive runs saved as Bregman (6), but Arenado had the better outs above average (9). Both players have been stellar defensively for their entire careers. Adding Arenado gives the Astros options and also gives them depth in their lineup.

While the defense was fairly even aside from the range, Bregman brought a better bat. But that’s not to say that Arenado won’t be a good fit to play inside Houston. He is still going to make contact with the ball, as he hit .272, which is still an effective hitter. However, the power has gone down quite a bit over the years and saw his slugging percentage drop to .394. Furthermore, his OPS drop to .719 and has significantly gone down from the 2022 season.

At this given rate, Arenado is a league average bat at best, but will give you quality defense. The Cardinals are in a tough spot, as Arenado has said that he will not change his list of teams he will accept a trade to.

Arenado nixed a trade to the Astros back in December and the Cardinals were even willing to send the Astros nearly $20 million to help cover the salary on his deal. They have little leverage at this point and Arenado may change his tune this time around.

Arenado Should Want the Astros

It is very unlikely that the Red Sox come calling for Arenado. There is a chance at some point that the Yankees do circle back, but time will tell. While the Astros will look different in numerous aspects, they will still be a good and competitive team. With the AL wide open, the Astros will make noise once again.

If you are Arenado, take it a run. The Astros still have a competitive baseball team and will be competing for a World Series. The Cardinals are turning things over to the youth, and his exit seems to be coming. This would be an enormous splash trade for the Astros, and gives them a boost in the field and in the lineup.