The New York Yankees began the season intending to use DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera at third base. However, both players had difficulties last year, and LeMahieu’s latest injury highlights the team’s inability to depend on him.
The Yankees could seize the chance to strengthen their roster at the trade deadline. FOX Sports’ Rowan Kavner predicted they might pull off a blockbuster deal with the St. Louis Cardinals to land eight-time All-Star Nolan Arenado.
Kavner predicted that with both the Yankees and Orioles close to the division lead at the break, they would make competing moves to gain an edge. He suggested that Arenado, after a strong first half, could be the key to solving the Yankees’ offensive struggles.
The Yankees were frequently mentioned in trade rumors involving Nolan Arenado throughout the offseason, but no deal materialized. Arenado initially signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in 2019 before being traded to the Cardinals.
Arenado is under contract through 2027, making him an expensive trade target. However, he would provide a significant offensive upgrade over both Cabrera and LeMahieu. Additionally, his defensive skills are elite, with 10 Gold Gloves and six Platinum Gloves to his name.
Last season, Arenado posted a .272/.325/.394 slash line with 16 home runs, which was viewed as a down year. Over the past four seasons, he has recorded a .797 OPS and hit 106 home runs.
The Yankees suffered a major offensive loss when Juan Soto signed with the Mets. To compensate, they brought in Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt. Adding Arenado alongside Goldschmidt could be the final move needed for another deep postseason run.
