New York Yankees fans are wondering if they could still make a long-rumored trade for future Hall-of-Famer Nolan Arenado during spring training. However, a top MLB insider poured cold water on the idea this week.
The Yankees had a very productive offseason. Sure, they lost the bidding war for superstar outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Mets. But following that setback the organization made a slew of meaningful additions in the weeks after.
New York gave All-Star pitcher Max Fried the largest contract ever received by a lefty. They acquired elite closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. Traded for one-time NL MVP Cody Bellinger, and signed fellow former NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt to replace Anthony Rizzo at first. A case could be made that this is a better team than the group that reached the World Series in October.
However, there is still a question mark at third base. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is expected to move from third to second this season. Leaving a hole at the hot corner. As of now either DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, or Oswald Peraza will play third in 2025. But the club has been linked to rumors of a trade for Noland Arenado for weeks.
This week, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan gave an update on the potential of adding Arenado in the next few weeks. But the news was not positive.
- Nolan Arenado stats (2024): .272 AVG, .325 OBP, .394 SLG, .719 OPS, 16 HR, 71 RBI, 70 R
New York Yankees a long shot to make Nolan Arenado trade
“Three years after joining St. Louis, Arenado wants to be traded, and the Cardinals would like to oblige. Just for the right price. With the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers seen as long shots to make a move for Arenado, an eight-time All-Star third baseman, the Red Sox remain the landing spot that makes the most sense,” Passan wrote.
The eight-time All-Star not landing in the Bronx and instead possibly going to rivals the Red Sox will not thrill Yanks fans. Various reports have stated that teams pursuing Alex Bregman in free agency could make a pivot to Arenado. Which would also drive up the asking price.
- Nolan Arenado contract: Eight years, $260 million
If New York doesn’t make a move now, a deal becomes ever more unlikely once Bregman comes off the board.
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