BREAKING: Yankees Listed as Top Landing Spot for Superstar Infielder on Trading Block

The New York Yankees have been listed as a top landing spot for a superstar infielder who could be traded this offseason.
Sep 25, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third base Nolan Arenado (28) reacts in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Sep 25, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third base Nolan Arenado (28) reacts in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

It’s no secret that the New York Yankees‘ top priority is to retain superstar outfielder Juan Soto in free agency.

However, the Yankees still have several holes in their infield to fill, whether they bring back Soto or not.

One direction they could take is on the trade market, where a proven veteran is expected to be available this offseason in St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.

As Katie Woo of The Athletic reported earlier in the week, the growing belief throughout the industry is that Arenado will be traded. Per Woo, Arenado is willing to move to first base to create roster flexibility if he is dealt to a new team.

If the Yankees were to acquire Arenado they could stick him at third and move Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to his natural position at second base. New York has an opening at first base after the departure of Anthony Rizzo, so Arenado could potentially fill this spot as well.

Matt Snyder of CBS Sports listed the Yankees as a top landing spot for Arenado this offseason if he is traded.

“The top priority this offseason for the Yankees is obviouslyJuan Soto,” Snyder wrote. “Once the dust settles there, we’ll see where they stand. They have an opening at first base after letting Anthony Rizzo walk in free agency. They could also put Arenado at third and play Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second. Such a move would improve the Yankees’ defense — which proved to be their undoing in Game 5 of the World Series — but the ballpark doesn’t do Arenado’s bat any favors, given how little he ever hits the ball to right field.”

Arenado is owed $52 million over the final three years of his contract. He will be 34-years-old in the 2025 season, but has remained a strong defender at third base, producing 10 Outs Above Average last year.

The 10-time Gold Glover and eight-time All-Star had a bit of a drop off in terms of power in 2024, slashing .272/.325/.394 with a .719 OPS, 16 home runs and 71 RBIs in 152 games.

That being said, Arenado was an All-Star in 2023 and finished third in the NL MVP race in 2022. If Arenado is plugged into the Yankees’ lineup with Aaron Judge, and potentially Soto, he will likely produce as an impact bat if given proper protection.

Related Posts

It’s clear which NY Mets infielder they should trade, but here’s the problem

The New York Mets find themselves at a pivotal juncture as the trade deadline approaches, with the front office keenly assessing which assets could yield the be

Mets’ Juan Soto forced out of Padres game with painful injury

Mets right fielder Juan Soto has left Tuesday night’s game against the Padres with a foot contusion after fouling a ball of his foot.

Mets’ Luisangel Acuña shows off slick defense in center field as trade rumors swirl

The Mets had Luisangel Acuña play an inning in the outfield in Tuesday’s loss to the Padres, and the young utility player made a dazzling catch.

Ex-MLB GM predicts surprising Yankees trade deadline splash after wilting rumors

Jim Bowden predicts the New York Yankees will land Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks at the MLB trade deadline.

Former Yankees reliever DFA’d by Blue Jays after in-division trade that hurts NYY

The New York Yankees saw one of their former (and most reliable relievers) get designated for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays.

MLB Trade Deadline’s Impact Extends Beyond the Field

The Yankees, Brewers and Diamondbacks are among the teams that have already made moves as buyers or sellers.