Insider report: Yankees Unlikely to Trade For another $260 Million Star Infielder

It looks like the New York Yankees are unlikely to pursue a trade for star third baseman Nolan Arenado.

Arenado has been a potential target for the Yankees as the St. Louis Cardinals look to trade the third baseman in order to free up salary. New York has a need at third base, making it a logical fit. However, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon and Katie Woo, the Yankees are not interested in acquiring Arenado unless the Cardinals agree to cover a significant portion of his salary.

The article notes, “Speculation has swirled around the Yankees, especially after Paul Goldschmidt, Arenado’s longtime teammate and close friend, signed a one-year, $12.5 million deal with New York in mid-December.” However, sources say that while the Yankees like Arenado, they are unwilling to take on most of his contract, which the Cardinals would likely need to do to facilitate a trade.

New York also has alternatives for third base. The Yankees could move Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base and rely on a healthy DJ LeMahieu to take over at third. While the Cardinals will continue to try to trade Arenado, they are hesitant to eat too much of his salary, as their goal is to offload his financial burden.

Arenado, entering the sixth year of his eight-year, $260 million deal, had a solid 2024 season, hitting .272 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs. He is also an eight-time MLB All-Star.

Could DJ LeMahieu Start at Third?

If the Yankees don’t trade for Arenado, LeMahieu could be the primary option at third base. LeMahieu, who dealt with injuries in 2024, is reportedly the frontrunner for the position, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman. Heyman wrote, “Yankees people love Alex Bregman but question whether Yankee Stadium is the right fit for him. It’s possible they hope DJ LeMahieu regains health to fill 3B.”

LeMahieu is entering the fifth year of his six-year, $90 million contract. In 2024, he hit just .204 with 2 home runs and 26 RBIs in 67 games, but he has a career-high 26 home runs and 102 RBIs on his resume. LeMahieu is also a three-time All-Star.

Cardinals Open to Keeping Arenado

If a trade doesn’t materialize, the Cardinals are open to keeping Arenado as their starting third baseman. St. Louis president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said that while the team continues discussions involving Arenado, they are prepared to retain him in 2025 if necessary.

“We both remain optimistic that both parties will remain happy somehow,” Mozeliak said during the Winter Meetings. “Arenado staying with the Cardinals is a possibility, but I’m not sure that puts us where we want to be. From a financial standpoint, trying to move our payroll — there are certainly other ways to do that, but [trading Arenado] would be a big help. It’s financial, but it also creates a runway for someone else.”

Earlier this offseason, Arenado blocked a trade to the Houston Astros. The Cardinals were reportedly willing to cover $15-20 million of Arenado’s salary as part of the deal to facilitate the trade.

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