For nearly eight months, Nolan Arenado‘s possible move to the New York Yankees has sparked continuous speculation within baseball circles. As the MLB trade deadline nears, the Yankees confront pressing concerns about their infield, especially at third base, where persistent struggles have left them searching for solutions. Despite evident needs, the team adopted a stopgap strategy in the offseason, leaving their infield performance inconsistent and uneasy heading into the summer.
Current Instability in the Yankees’ Infield Positions
The Yankees have been forced to shuffle their infield lineup, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. playing out of position at third base, a role unfamiliar to him. Meanwhile, DJ LeMahieu has underperformed defensively at second base, compounding the team’s instability. These challenges raise serious questions about whether New York will now act decisively to acquire Arenado, who had not been a prime target during earlier trade discussions this offseason.
Exploring Trade Possibilities Involving Arenado
Earlier this week, baseball analyst Dave Holcomb from Fantasy Sports on SI outlined a potential trade scenario positioning Arenado in Yankee Stadium. Under this proposal, the Yankees would send infielder Oswald Peraza and pitching prospect Brock Selvidge to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Arenado. Holcomb emphasized the financial aspect as a crucial factor, with the value of prospects the Yankees would sacrifice depending heavily on salary negotiations with the Cardinals.
If an Arenado trade is more about a salary dump for the Cardinals, then they aren’t likely to receive much back in a deal,
Holcomb noted. —Dave Holcomb, Baseball Writer, Fantasy Sports on SI
The Financial and Performance Challenges of Acquiring Arenado
Arenado’s contract obligations loom large over any trade discussions, with over $50 million still owed to him through the 2027 season. His current on-field performance adds to the uncertainty; this season’s .701 OPS stands in contrast to his previously dominant offensive output, creating doubts about whether he can truly enhance the Yankees’ lineup as they hope. The financial commitment combined with this performance dip makes acquiring him a significant risk.
The Risks and Potential Rewards of Taking the Arenado Gamble
Bringing in an experienced but aging Arenado unquestionably carries risk, yet the alternative risks—leaving the third base vacancy unaddressed—may be even greater. Doing nothing could mean the Yankees fail to seize a rare opportunity to stabilize a key section of their infield, potentially dooming their pursuit of a strong postseason run. As the deadline looms, frustration and tension build, with the Yankees facing critical pressure to make a move that could redefine their infield and possibly their entire season.
All eyes now remain fixed on New York to see if they will commit to this high-stakes trade before the deadline passes, willing to gamble on Arenado’s ability to provide the boost the team desperately needs.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Nolan Arenado the best 3rd baseman ever?
A. Many consider him one of the best third basemen ever. He’s expected to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Nolan Arenado is one of only seven MLB players to have hit over 350 home runs and earned more than 10 Gold Glove Awards. If Scott Rolen made it to the Hall of Fame, then any outstanding third baseman deserves to be there.
Q. Has Nolan Arenado ever won a world series?
A. He earned three All-Star titles and two Gold Gloves, and he placed third in the NL MVP vote in 2022. However, his team, the Cardinals, never won a playoff series with him. Now, Arenado has a chance to aim for his first World Series victory before his career ends.