The New York Yankees continue to reshape their roster after last season’s World Series run.
Their latest move involves signing first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, the 2022 National League MVP with the St. Louis Cardinals, to a $12.5 million contract. While significant on its own, the addition of the 37-year-old, seven-time All-Star may carry even greater weight by potentially paving the way for the Yankees to address another infield need.
One intriguing possibility is a trade for star third baseman Nolan Arenado, Goldschmidt’s former teammate in St. Louis for four seasons. Regarded as one of the top players on the trade market this offseason, Arenado has already drawn interest from the Yankees. MLB.com highlighted how Goldschmidt’s presence could influence the Yankees’ pursuit of the 10-time Gold Glove winner.
“Sources noted that the veteran first baseman’s presence in New York might strongly sway Nolan Arenado to waive his no-trade clause and join the Yankees if they pursue a deal with St. Louis,” MLB.com reported. “Earlier this offseason, the Yankees explored a trade for Arenado but were turned down, as the Cardinals had no interest in taking on the contract of veteran right-hander Marcus Stroman.”
Arenado, 33, has three years left on his eight-year, $260 million contract.
Yankees Not Among Teams Nolan Arenado Had on Initial Top-6 List
Arenado’s no-trade clause presents a major hurdle for any potential deal, and just 10 days ago, he reportedly excluded the Yankees from a list of six teams he’d approve a trade to.
According to John Denton of MLB.com, those teams were the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres.
However, it’s possible the Yankees have now become the seventh team on his list. They are highly motivated to acquire an infielder, particularly at third base, as they likely plan to shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base in 2025, leaving third base as the most pressing vacancy in their infield.
Alex Bregman Option if Nolan Arenado Falls Through
If Arenado’s stance remains unchanged, or if one of the six teams on his initial preferred list presents more favorable conditions, the Yankees could shift their focus to free agent Alex Bregman, formerly of the Houston Astros.
Jeff Passan of ESPN highlighted several teams vying for Bregman and noted that the Yankees are among them. “Bregman’s payday could be in the $200 million range as well. [His market remains] strong because a number of teams still have big money to spend,” Passan wrote. He also mentioned potential infield adjustments, such as the Yankees moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. from third to second base or the Mets shifting Mark Vientos to first base.
However, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi later reported that the Red Sox currently appear to be leading the race for Bregman. “I’m getting the sense that the Red Sox are more of a possibility than the New York Yankees at the moment,” Morosi said.
If Boston manages to secure Bregman, it heightens the urgency for the Yankees to stay competitive in the Arenado sweepstakes, as their path to returning to the World Series next October may depend on it.
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