MLB trade Rumors: New York Yankees potential trade for Nolan Arenado
According to reports, one possible suitor in this winter's Nolan Arenado trade sweepstakes is the New York Yankees.
The St. Louis Cardinals made a number of moves at the start of the offseason that suggested they were finally seeking to rebuild. This comes after the Cardinals' front management held onto a core group of seasoned players who weren't getting any younger in an attempt to win year after year.
Among these actions were allowing Paul Goldschmidt and Kyle Gibson to enter free agency. In addition to these actions, there were speculations that St. Louis was actively pursuing third baseman Nolan Arenado. It might be difficult to sell Arenado because of his no-trade clause and the more than $50 million that is still owed on his contract.
The New York Yankees are one squad that would fit right in. After losing out on Juan Soto in free agency, the Bronx Bombers have added a lot of quality this winter. Goldschmidt has already been taken to play first base. The star would be able to play third base if the Cardinals traded for Arenado, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. would take Gleyber Torres' place at second base.
It was unclear at the beginning of the trade talks if Arenado would waive his no-trade clause for New York or another team. It looks like he would right now.
New York Yankees Receive
3B Nolan Arenado + $15 million
St. Louis Cardinals Receive
INF Jorbit Vivas
This trade between the Yankees and Cardinals would provide New York with the ideal replacement for Gleyber Torres.
Brian Cashman shouldn't have any issues with the Cardinals eating up more than $20 million of Arenado's remaining contract. It would be advantageous for both parties if the Yankees sent one mid-tier prospect to the Cardinals in exchange for a glorified money dump.
The Yankees' transaction that brought them Cody Bellinger is quite similar to this one. According to my fictitious arrangement, the Yankees would acquire infield prospect Jorbit Vivas in return for Arenado. In order to cover a chunk of Arenado's deal, the Cardinals would also give the Yankees $15 million.
Vivas is a contender to take Torres' place in the upcoming campaign, but he lacks Arenado's ceiling and floor. The Gold Glove third baseman is not necessary for New York to acquire, but he would undoubtedly be a significant improvement over their current lineup.
The Cardinals see this as little more than a pay dump. They may add an infield prospect and move on from a huge contract by making this trade.
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