Inside The Phillies

Could Philadelphia Phillies Inquire on Cardinals Star Third Baseman Arenado?

The Philadelphia Phillies should look at upgrading at the third base position. Could St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado be the answer?

Kade Kistner

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
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The Philadelphia Phillies will certainly be buyers at this season's MLB trade deadline. 

Just as exciting, they have incredible prospect capital to make a big splash. 

While much of the rumor mill has talked about the Phillies pursuing St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, perhaps a better option would be their other corner infielder - third baseman Nolan Arenado. 

Philadelphia's third base situation hasn't been promising this season. Alec Bohm has a WAR of 0.0, second worst in MLB. 

Bohm  play first base, but his offensive production doesn't quite fit the bill for the position. Between Kody Clemens and the eventual placement of Bryce Harper at the position, first base appears covered. 

However, if the Phillies can make a move for Arenado, who is still only 32 years old and incredibly productive, that move could help boost the lineup. Arenado also plays Platinum Glove level defense at third. Defense being a commodity for this Phillies team.

Packaging Bohm and another high-end prospect or two could be enough to convince the Cardinals to move Arenado. 

Between Goldschmidt and Arenado, the latter seems a better fit when looking at the whole picture of Philadelphia's roster construction.

Add in the fact that Arenado is three years younger than Goldschmidt and is under control through the 2027 MLB season, the choice seems easier to make. 

The idea of Arenado isn't as far-fetched as it seems. On Tuesday, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal brought up the possibility that St. Louis could be open to moving Arenado and shaking up their roster. 

Perhaps the Phillies could benefit while solidifying the third base position for seasons to come. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl.  During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated.  Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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