Similar to how last winter was defined by the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, this offseason so far has revolved around another generational superstar: Juan Soto. The 26-year-old slugger is coming off a career year with the New York Yankees, having also helped the Bronx Bombers get back to the World Series for the first time in 15 years.
On Dec. 8, one night before the Winter Meetings officially began in Dallas, Soto decided on his newest destination: the crosstown rival New York Mets. He agreed to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal.
Even with Soto no longer available, there are plenty of other top-tier free agents, including ace pitcher Corbin Burnes and slugging first baseman Pete Alonso.
The Houston Astros were a strong candidate to land the St. Louis Cardinals star third baseman, but Arenado has nixed that possibility. Arenado used his no-trade clause to block a possible move to Houston, MLB.com reported Wednesday. Arenado’s reasoning for turning down the deal was that he didn’t want a decision to be made on his future this early in the offseason, according to The Athletic.
It’s unclear what the exact deal involving Arenado would’ve entailed. However, the Cardinals would’ve sent the Astros somewhere between $15 million and $20 million to help pay off the remainder of Arenado’s contract, according to MLB.com. Arenado is set to earn $74 million over the next three seasons, but previous owed money and deferments bring that number to roughly $60 million. It was previously reported that Arenado would likely be moved this offseason as the Cardinals look to get off his salary while they enter a rebuilding phase.
The Red Sox and Yankees remain possible options for Arenado, though it’s believed that both teams have higher priorities at the moment, The Athletic reported. The Phillies and Mets are also viewed as contenders for Arenado, but the Dodgers aren’t, according to MLB.com.
Houston became a contender for Arenado amid uncertainty over the future of its long-time third baseman, Alex Bregman. Bregman is a free agent and arguably the top hitter remaining on the open market as there seems to be a hot pursuit for the multi-time All-Star.
