The New York Yankees continue to express interest in eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals. While Arenado’s $25.5 million annual luxury tax salary for the next three years poses financial challenges, the Yankees may explore ways to navigate these constraints to bring the star to the Bronx.
A Deal Likely Involving Marcus Stroman
To complete the trade, the Yankees would likely include Marcus Stroman, who has an $18.5 million salary for 2025. Stroman’s contract has just one year remaining, but a player option for 2026 is triggered if he pitches over 140 innings, adding a layer of financial complexity.
Sending Stroman to the Cardinals could help balance Arenado’s contract. Otherwise, the Cardinals would need to take on a substantial portion of Arenado’s salary to make the trade viable for the Yankees. Reports suggest they were willing to cover $15-20 million in a deal that would have sent him to Houston, but Arenado ultimately vetoed that move.
Arenado’s Numbers and Fit in the Bronx
At 33, Arenado remains one of the top defensive players in baseball, although his offensive production has slightly declined in recent years.
In 2024, he played 152 games, batting .273/.325/.394 with 16 home runs, 71 RBIs, and a 102 wRC+. While these numbers are decent, Arenado’s power might not fully translate to Yankee Stadium due to his tendency to hit line drives and fly balls toward center and left field, areas that are less favorable for home runs in the Bronx.
Nonetheless, Arenado’s elite defense would be a valuable asset. The eight-time Gold Glove winner posted six defensive runs saved and nine outs above average in 2024, playing 1,268.1 innings at third base. His outstanding fielding would bring stability to the Yankees’ infield and help reduce errors.
Positional Impact on the Yankees’ Infield
Acquiring Arenado would allow the Yankees to move Jazz Chisholm back to second base, his natural position. Chisholm’s athleticism and range are better suited for second, and the adjustment would enhance the overall strength of the infield. Arenado’s reliability at third base would also benefit the Yankees’ pitching staff, boosting run prevention for a team aiming to contend.
Financial Hurdles and Strategic Moves
The Yankees are already nearing the $300 million luxury tax threshold, so acquiring Arenado would require some financial adjustments. Moving players with substantial salaries, like Stroman or Trent Grisham, could help create the necessary cap space. However, the Cardinals’ willingness to absorb part of Arenado’s contract will likely be the key factor in determining whether the deal goes through.
Balancing Defense and Offensive Expectations
Although Arenado’s offensive production may not fully capitalize on Yankee Stadium’s dimensions, his defensive skills and leadership make him an attractive option for the Yankees. While he may not have a major impact offensively, his ability to prevent runs aligns with Brian Cashman’s main goal for the offseason.
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