It’s no surprise that Yankees GM Brian Cashman may be in the market for a third baseman, MLB trade deadline approaches. A quality addition at the position would allow manager Aaron Boone to move the surging Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to his natural spot at second base. One name reportedly on Cashman’s radar, however, is dealing with a minor injury that could be worth monitoring.
According to MLB.com’s John Denton, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado jammed his right index finger during Sunday’s 7-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians. The incident occurred in the third inning, and although Arenado continued playing, he exited in the eighth after swelling in the finger worsened.
After the game, Arenado said the finger became increasingly stiff but improved with treatment. He doesn’t believe the injury is serious and hopes to remain in the lineup. The Cardinals begin a series against the Pirates on Monday.
Injured finger aside, Sunday marked a milestone day for Arenado. He notched his 1,900th career hit, a feat achieved by only five active players: Freddie Freeman (2,351), Jose Altuve (2,313), Andrew McCutchen (2,222), Paul Goldschmidt (2,139), and Manny Machado (1,993). Arenado also reached his 400th career double, joining Freeman, Goldschmidt, McCutchen, and Altuve in that exclusive club.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be mentioned with those guys,” Arenado told Denton. “They’re some of the best in the game and among the best ever. It’s especially meaningful to be up there with my boy Goldy—he’s like a big brother.”
Arenado and Goldschmidt were Cardinals teammates from 2021 through 2024. Now, there’s speculation they could be reunited in New York, if Cashman manages to acquire Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glove winner and eight-time All-Star. ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel recently listed the Yankees, along with the Tigers, Mariners, and Brewers, as the top potential landing spots for the veteran third baseman.
While Arenado still showcases strong defense and a low strikeout rate, Passan and McDaniel note that his power and plate discipline have declined, calling him a solid starter—but no longer a star. Complicating matters, Arenado has a full no-trade clause and is still owed significant money: $21 million this year, $16 million in 2026, and $15 million in 2027, per Spotrac.
This season, the 34-year-old is batting .245 with 10 homers and 41 RBIs across 78 games. Passan and McDaniel estimate there’s only a 30% chance he’s dealt by the deadline.
