Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak told reporters on Thursday that the team will approach the trade deadline with a focus on the future, not the rest of this season.
Translation: one of the most disappointing teams in baseball in 2023 will be sellers.
But, to what extent? Pending free agents like Jordan Montgomery, Jack Flaherty, and Jordan Hicks seem like prime candidates to be moves, but what about veteran stars that still have time left on their deals, like Paul Goldschmidt or Nolan Arenado?
Tiki and Tierney say if the latter becomes available, the Mets better be ready to pounce.
“If you’re the Mets, why in the world would you not?” Tiki said of Arenado. “That’s a non-massive move that would be amazing.
“He’s under control for a long time. It matches with the ‘We may not win it this year, but the year after or the year after.’ It makes a lot of sense with Arenado.”
Arenado, 32, is signed through 2027 on a $275 million deal, and is having another solid season, batting .283 with 19 home runs and an .850 OPS, while carrying the pedigree of one of the best defensive third baseman in all of baseball. The Mets have Brett Baty at the hot corner, though he hasn’t been able to get it going in regular playing time this season, posting a .669 OPS. The Mets have flirted with adding a big-name third baseman in the past at the trade deadline, like Kris Bryant, but Arenado would provide a massive upgrade beyond this season.
“It’s not Ohtani, but it’s the next level below,” BT said. “Arenado is amazing.”
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