Latest trade rumors involving Tigers and Nolan Arenado feel like a leverage play

While talks with free agent Alex Bregman seem to have stalled, the Detroit Tigers could still be involved in trade discussions for the top third baseman available on the market.

Ever since the rebuilding St. Louis Cardinals put eight-time MLB All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado on the trade block, he has been heavily linked to the Boston Red Sox after he used his no-trade clause to shut down a potential deal with the Houston Astros.

While Boston still looks like the frontrunner to land Arenado in a potential trade, no deal has come together as of yet, causing other possible destinations to emerge. MLB Network insider Jon Morosi reported that there are other options for Arenado, including the Tigers and the Seattle Mariners, in case the Red Sox and Cardinals are unable to reach an agreement.

Tigers emerge as surprise trade option for Nolan Arenado if they miss on Alex Bregman, but the risk may be too great

Presumably, Morosi's report suggests that Detroit is one of the potential trade destinations for which Arenado would at least be willing to discuss waiving his no-trade clause. His fit with the Tigers is obvious, as they still have a need for an everyday third baseman. They are also on the path toward being an immediate contender, and Arenado would certainly help them get there.

Still, it's difficult to imagine the Tigers leveraging any of their exciting, young core in a trade for a 34-year-old with declining offensive production who is still owed $74 million over the next three years. The risk may simply be too great. If anything, this feels like a leverage play over Bregman to see if Scott Boras would be willing to come down in price. It was reported Friday that the Red Sox are essentially playing chicken with Bregman while his other suitors don't seem as serious about going the extra mile with offers.

That said, Arenado is just two years removed from a career-best 2022 season that saw him finish with a 7.74 WAR. He may not be the player he used to be, but he would still make the Tigers a better team. If the price is right (i.e., if the Cardinals are willing to retain some salary and demand a reasonable package in return), there's no harm in Detroit staying involved in the conversations – especially while Bregman remains unsigned.

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