You see nowadays, from time to time, a pop-up window on your screen with the latest MLB news, and every analyst has their own “insider news”. Well, as expected, there’s a new one coming straight up from one of the MLB insider’s offices. But this time, it’s not something related to the trade activities, but it is about why the New York Yankees do not need a Cardinals’ $260 million star despite their third base woes.
For those unaware, the New York Yankees were looking for a solution to the third base problem for quite some time. Even last season, Jazz Chisholm Jr played as the third baseman; now he is back to his usual second base position. Despite this, things do not seem to be going as planned for the Cardinals’ $260 million star, Nolan Arenado, who has long been overlooked by the Yankees. The reason?
Well, when asked about the trade talks between the Cardinals and Yankees dying down gradually, MLB insider Joel Sherman said, “Well, I’ve never thought it was real. But people were riding close this offseason. And I don’t think the Yankees have had any interest. I would say the Yankees would think of it as Paul Goldschmidt.” He further explained that if it was a one-year contract for that player, who’s not been in the best of forms for the last couple of years, they had still been in.
“I can’t see them trying to solve third base when their general lineup is not the problem.”
MLB Now weighs in on Nolan Arenado’s potential fit with the Yankees. pic.twitter.com/BZjzTM0Ct3
— MLB Now (@MLBNow) May 5, 2025
But there’s a problem! Nolan Arenado still has three more years and $52 million remaining on his contract with the Cardinals. More importantly, the Yankees have got DJ Le Mahieu, who’s a close friend of Arenado and doing a similar job for the team. Throwing more cold water on the Yankees’ attempt to bring the ten-time Gold Glove third baseman, Sherman continued, “If he were a free agent, I don’t think he’d get as much money as he’s owed. The name is better than the game right now.”
So, it’s basically that the Yankees are doing quite well and they can sneak into winning against any team—be it with or without Arenado. “I can’t see them trying to solve third base when their general lineup is not the problem.” And it is accurate, considering the Yankees’ starting rotation is a far more serious issue. Sherman feels that instead of considering the third base, which should cost them more money and two prospects if they choose to acquire Arenado, the Yankees should add one starting pitcher.
They can therefore disregard it for the time being and concentrate on the other areas that will strengthen their starting rotation prior to the postseason. Meanwhile, rumors swirl in the air that the Cardinals are eyeing a trade for Arenado. Any guesses on who’s willing?
Cardinals looking to trade their $260 million star to the Tigers
Well, this news will certainly be a shock for many Yankees fans, but it’s true. Being one of the hot trade topics for the past couple of months, former Cincinnati Reds manager and MLB executive Jim Bowden wrote in one of The Athletic’s pieces that the Nolan Arenado trade might be suitable for both the Tigers and the Cardinals.
“If Arenado approves a trade to Detroit, coming up with a prospect package should be far less difficult than agreeing on how much of his remaining salary St. Louis would absorb,” Bowden said, highlighting the fact that the Cardinals still owed Arenado $64 million on the contract up to 2027. However, it won’t be a bad call if the Cardinals can get prospects like Carson Rucker and Josh Randall for Nolan Arenado. But that’s not all!
The St. Louis Cardinals would be able to give more time for the younger prospects, like Thomas Saggese and Nolan Gorman, to hone their skills at third base. As the Cardinals are going through a transition phase, trading Nolan Arenado could also pave the way for more opportunities to improve their farm system and, at the same time, give the young players enough game experience to be successful in the future.
However, as of now, nothing is official yet. We all have to wait until the potential trades are finalized. Which team do you think may get Arenado?
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