The New York Yankees have already made a big waves this offseason by signing Paul Goldschmidt but they may not be done adding to the roster. According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller the Yankees could be bringing in another St. Louis Cardinal: Nolan Arenado. With the Cardinals going young veterans like Arenado might soon be available and the Yankees would be the perfect fit.
Why the Yankees Should Get Nolan Arenado?
St. Louis is rebuilding and that process has already run Paul Goldschmidt out of town. It’s only a matter of time before other veteran stars, including Arenado, are moved to speed up the process. The 34 year old third baseman is one of the best defensive players at the position and even in a down year his offense is still around average—better than what the Yankees have at third base right now.
What Happened Last Year?
Arenado had his worst season ever in 2024, hitting .272/.325/.394 with 16 homers and 71 RBIs. Those numbers aren’t great but they’re better than what Oswaldo Cabrera is currently at third base.
Even if Arenado doesn’t completely bounce back to his peak he offers stability and experience—a big change of pace from Cabrera’s plate struggles.
Best Case for Arenado
From 2020-2023 Arenado was consistent, hitting .271/.328/.495 with 30 homers and 100 RBIs per season. If he can get back to that even partially it’s a big boost to the lineup. At worst he’s a valuable asset because of his defense especially in high leverage situations where reliability matters most.
The Case Against Oswaldo Cabrera
Oswaldo Cabrera is projected as the Yankees’ starting 3B and hasn’t proven to be an everyday player yet. Last year he hit .247/.296/.365 with 8 HR and 4 SB. His previous season was even worse and now we wonder if he can handle the postseason pressure.
Cabrera is above average defensively but his bat just isn’t reliable enough for the Yankees to trust him as their primary 3B. New York can’t enter October with that kind of uncertainty at a key position.
Super Utility Role More Likely
If the Yankees get Arenado it would allow Cabrera to move back into a super utility role where his versatility and solid glove can shine without the burden of being an everyday player. This would play to both players strengths while minimizing their weaknesses.
Why Trading for Arenado Makes Sense?
Affordable Contract
Arenado’s contract is surprisingly cheap. He’s owed $51M over the next 3 years, $75M luxury tax. For a team like the Yankees who often operate over the tax threshold, that’s a reasonable price for a player of his caliber.
Low Prospect Cost
With the Cardinals in rebuild mode, acquiring Arenado might not cost the Yankees much in prospect capital. St. Louis will want to shed salary and clear space for young players, so they may be willing to accept less in return.
Clutch Experience
One area where Arenado excels is in big moments. Even in his “off” year, he has playoff experience that Cabrera doesn’t. For a team that wants to win a World Series, having someone like Arenado come through in clutch situations can be the difference.
FAQs About the Potential Arenado Trade
Why Would the Cardinals Trade Nolan Arenado?
The Cardinals are in a rebuild and are developing young players. Trading Arenado would free up payroll and give prospects a chance to play 3B.
How Much Is Arenado Owed?
Arenado is owed $51 million over the next 3 years with a luxury tax of $75 million. Not cheap but a contender like the Yankees could absorb that.
Would Arenado Be an Upgrade Over Oswaldo Cabrera?
Yes. Even in a bad year Arenado’s defense and experience far surpass what Cabrera offers. He’s proven he can bounce back to at least average offensively, which would be a huge upgrade.
