MLB insider: Xander Bogaerts trade to Cardinals remains unlikely

Despite the Cardinals needing a shortstop, a trade for Boston Red Sox star Xander Bogaerts reportedly remains unlikely.

Bogaerts has been just about the only bright spot early this season for the struggling Sox. But, with Bogaerts having an opt-out after this season, could Boston trade him elsewhere?

To do so now would be getting ahead of what’s sure to be a tough negotiation. The Cardinals make a lot of sense as a potential destination, as Paul DeJong’s struggles have persisted into this season. Could St. Louis pull the trigger?

FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray thinks a trade for Bogaerts at this stage would be farfetched:

"“But I think that a trade is unlikely for a multitude of reasons. The price to acquire Bogaerts, which would likely cost Nolan Gorman and more. The need to extend him to a nine-figure contract. The organization not wanting to part with Gorman, or any other top prospect, while already having two massive contracts (Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt) on the books.”"

Will Cardinals trade for Xander Bogaerts?

For now, the Cards don’t have much of a reason to trade for Bogaerts. As Murray mentions, doing so would cost St. Louis more than just money, as they’d have to deal a number of top prospects for a rental star who may not even want to stay there long-term.

For Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt to give his sign-off on such a move, it would have to come with some security as to Bogaerts’ future intentions.