The New York Yankees can still recruit a seasoned Gold Glove third baseman. In an interview with the YES Network in early February, General Manager Brian Cashman hinted at the possibility of leaving the organization. The top free-agent third baseman, Alex Bregman, has yet to sign a contract for the 2025 season, but the Yankees do not appear to be searching for a long-term, high-price commitment there. According to St. Louis Cardinals beat writer John Denton, the Yankees have returned to chat about Nolan Arenado.
“After failing to make much trade progress elsewhere throughout January, the Cardinals reengaged the Red Sox, Yankees and Dodgers about possible restructured deals for the star third baseman,” Denton told MLB.com. The Red Sox appear to be waiting for Bregman, their preferred candidate, to make a decision.
The Yankees had spoken with the Cardinals about Arenado earlier this offseason, but the talks had cooled. Arenado, who turns 34 in April, is still owed $74 million under his deal, which includes a full no-trade provision. He declined a trade to the Houston Astros earlier this offseason. To do so, they will undoubtedly have to pay down some of his income. The veteran has also appeared to accept the thought of playing for a contender rather than staying with the Cardinals during a rebuild.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, Arenado is “highly motivated” to be dealt, despite the 10-time Gold Glover specifically mentioned the Red Sox. Arenado is an improvement at third base, but his offense has certainly slowed. He hit only 16 home runs and slashed.272/.325/.394.
In previous negotiations, the Yankees reportedly offered experienced right-hander Marcus Stroman to the Cardinals in exchange for Arenado, which was firmly rebuffed. They’re still trying to trade Stroman and remove his $18.5 million salary from their payroll before adding more.
