In a whirlwind of offseason moves, the New York Yankees are poised to make a significant splash, potentially acquiring star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals. With the Red Sox landing Alex Bregman, the path clears for the Yankees to address their persistent third-base conundrum.
Rumors have swirled for weeks, but the latest reports from MLB.com suggest a renewed engagement between the Yankees and Cardinals. The Yankees, facing spring training in less than two weeks and still needing a definitive answer at third, are looking to Arenado to solidify their lineup. However, the deal is complex.
Arenado’s contract carries a remaining $64 million, and the Cardinals are reportedly hesitant to absorb a significant portion of that salary. The Yankees are exploring ways to manage their payroll, potentially including Marcus Stroman in the deal. Whether the Cardinals will accept this offer, and if Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner will greenlight the financial commitment, remains to be seen.
Arenado’s no-trade clause adds another layer of intrigue. He previously blocked a trade to the Houston Astros, and whether he’d embrace the pinstripes of the Yankees is a pivotal question. This gives Arenado significant leverage, a factor which has stalled earlier discussions.
If the trade materializes, Arenado would provide a much-needed upgrade. Despite a slight downturn in recent years, the veteran still posted a 2.5 WAR, 16 home runs, and 71 RBIs last season. He brings defensive prowess, veteran experience, and consistent offensive contributions.
The Yankees have internal options like Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and even DJ LeMahieu at third, but none offer the proven production and defensive stability of Arenado. The deal would immediately solve a major question mark for the team.
The Red Sox’s acquisition of Alex Bregman further clarifies the situation. With a premier third baseman off the market, the Yankees face less competition for Arenado’s services.
The success of this potential trade hinges on two key factors: the willingness of the Cardinals to find a deal with the Yankees and the green light from the Yankees’ front office to take on a significant amount of money. The trade could give the Yankees the final piece of the puzzle as they aim to contend in the American League.
