Rumors of a trade sending Nolan Arenado to the Boston Red Sox have been flying all winter. However, with spring training here, a trade has still not happened, leading many to wonder about the circumstances stalling a potential deal.

It is no secret that the Red Sox have been looking for a right-handed bat to stabilize their lineup this winter. With the likes of Teoscar Hernández off the board and Alex Bregman’s free agency still up in the air, for many, Arenado has become the top candidate to bring some right-handed power to Boston.

However, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, a trade that finally brings Arenado to Boston may still be a ways away.

In an article providing updates on Bregman and Arenado, Passan revealed that Arenado’s contract is one of the main obstacles to a potential trade.

“The Red Sox have yet to bite, not only because of the consequences of such a move — Devers shifting to a near-full-time designated hitter role — but because the Cardinals have not budged enough on the money they’re willing to send with the remaining three years and $64 million on Arenado’s contract.”

The St. Louis Cardinals have stood firm on only sending a partial amount of money to help pay off the remaining three years and $64 million of Arenado’s extension.

In addition to contract issues, Boston’s unwillingness to make Devers a full-time DH has been another barrier to a potential deal.

A trade of Arenado would all but force the Red Sox to move Devers off of third base, something that is at odds with CBO Craig Breslow’s vision, as he has publicly stated that the organization sees Devers as the team’s long-term third baseman.

With such significant issues to a potential deal, the Red Sox are better off kicking the can on a potential Arenado trade and instead going after Alex Bregman.

Bregman would solve the Red Sox’s need for a right-handed power bat in the infield and, due to his versatility, would be able to slide in at second, allowing Devers to keep his spot at third base.