The New York Yankees are still interested in obtaining eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite Arenado’s huge $25.5 million luxury tax salary over the next three years, the Yankees may be able to work around financial restraints to lure the star to the Bronx.
A Deal Likely Involving Marcus Stroman
To complete the transaction, the Yankees would most likely add Marcus Stroman, who will earn $18.5 million in 2025. Stroman has only one year left on his contract, but pitching more than 140 innings triggers a player option for 2026, adding financial complexity.
Moving Stroman to the Cardinals may help offset Arenado’s deal. Alternatively, the Cardinals would have to absorb a major amount of Arenado’s contract in order for the Yankees to make the move work – sources said they were willing to eat $15-20 million in a deal that would have sent Houstin to the DL. He rejected the deal.
Arenado’s Numbers and Fit in the Bronx
Arenado, 33, remains one of baseball’s most productive defensive players, albeit his offensive output has dipped slightly 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 figures are acceptable, Arenado’s power may not entirely translate to Yankee Stadium because he prefers to hit line drives and fly balls to center and left field, which are less conducive to home runs in the Bronx.
Nonetheless, Arenado’s outstanding defensive skills would be a valuable asset. In 2024, the eight-time Gold Glove winner recorded six defensive runs saved and nine outs above average while playing third base for 1,268.1 innings. His superb glove work would add solidity to the Yankees’ infield and assist to reduce errors.
Positional Impact on the Yankees’ Infield
Adding Arenado would allow the Yankees to return Jazz Chisholm to second base, his natural position. Chisholm’s athleticism and range are best used at second base, and the change would improve the infield overall. Arenado’s dependability at the hot corner would also benefit the Yankees’ pitching staff by enhancing run prevention for a contending team.
Financial Hurdles and Strategic Moves
The Yankees are already approaching the $300 million luxury tax threshold, so acquiring Arenado would necessitate financial manipulation. Moving Stroman or other high-paid players, like Trent Grisham, might provide the needed flexibility. However, the Cardinals’ willingness to eat a portion of Arenado’s salary will most certainly determine whether the transaction goes through.
Balancing Defense and Offensive Expectations
While Arenado’s offensive game may not take full advantage of Yankee Stadium’s dimensions, his defensive skills and leadership make him an appealing target for the Yankees. He won’t move the needle much, but he will help prevent runs, which is Brian Cashman’s primary priority this offseason.
