The New York Yankees are actively working to revamp last season’s World Series roster.
Their latest move involved signing first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, the 2022 National League MVP with the St. Louis Cardinals, to a $ 12.5 million contract. This signing is significant not only for adding the 37-year-old seven-time All-Star but also for paving the way for the Yankees to bring in another quality infielder to address a pressing need.
Star third baseman Nolan Arenado, who played alongside Goldschmidt in St. Louis for the past four years, is one of the top players available on the trade market this offseason. The Yankees have expressed interest in Arenado, and MLB.com reported that acquiring Goldschmidt may influence Arenado’s willingness to waive his no-trade clause to join New York if a deal with St. Louis is pursued.
According to MLB.com, “Sources noted that the veteran first baseman’s presence in New York could strongly impact former teammate Nolan Arenado’s decision to agree to a trade to the Yankees if the team seeks a deal with St. Louis for the 10-time Gold Glove winner.” Earlier this offseason, the Yankees reached out to the Cardinals about a potential trade for Arenado, but negotiations stalled as St. Louis was not interested in taking on the contract of veteran right-hander Marcus Stroman.
Arenado, 33, still 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 adds a layer of complexity to any potential trade, and just ten days ago, he did not include the Yankees among the six teams he would agree to be traded to.
The teams on that list were the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres, as reported by John Denton of MLB.com.
Nonetheless, the Yankees could now be considered the seventh team on that list, and they are clearly eager to add an infielder to their roster. New York likely hopes to shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base in 2025, leaving third base as the most significant gap in their infield.
Alex Bregman Option if Nolan Arenado Falls Through
If Arenado’s stance remains unchanged or if one of the teams from his initial list of six presents favorable conditions, the Yankees have an alternative in free agent Alex Bregman, formerly with the Houston Astros.
Jeff Passan from ESPN noted that several teams are interested in pursuing Bregman, with the Yankees included in that group.
“Bregman’s contract could reach around $ 200 million. His market is strong, as many teams still have significant funds available,” Passan stated. “The Yankees could move Jazz Chisholm Jr. from third base to second, while the Mets might also adjust their infield by shifting Mark Vientos to first.”
However, Jon Morosi of MLB Network later reported that the Red Sox have positioned themselves as the frontrunners to acquire Bregman.
“I’m sensing that the Red Sox are currently more likely to sign Bregman than the New York Yankees,” Morosi commented.
If the Red Sox successfully acquire Bregman, securing Arenado becomes even more crucial for the Yankees in their quest to contend for the World Series next October.
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