The New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles are engaged in a tight race for the AL East. Now, with the trade deadline approaching, they are looking to make big moves. Baltimore desperately needs pitching to balance out its powerhouse offense, while New York is looking for a bat that can stabilize their roster.

There, enters Nolan Arenado. The eight-time All-Star and one of the best third basemen of his generation is the newest name linked to the Bronx Bombers. But signing a deal with Arenado is not as simple as picking up the phone. His massive contract, full no-trade clause, and the Cardinals’ willingness to move him all add layers of complexity.

Third base has been a headache for the Yankees all season. DJ LeMahieu, once a model of consistency, has struggled with injuries and age-related decline. Oswald Peraza has not secured the job, leaving a glaring hole at a position the Yankees cannot ignore. Arenado, while not the slugger he once was, remains a defensive wizard and a steady bat. In 2024, he hit .272/.325/.394 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs—his lowest home run total since his rookie year. The bigger concern? His career-low .394 slugging percentage, which raised some eyebrows. But his glove, leadership, and experience could be exactly what the Yankees need to magnify their infield.

That’s why Fox Sports sees the Yankees as a strong contender to make a push for Arenado at the deadline, a forecast that fits alongside other bold predictions such as Sandy Alcantara to the Orioles and Luis Robert Jr. to the Phillies. So, what’s the issue? The thing is, Arenado has not shown any desire to leave St. Louis. When the Cardinals proposed a deal with the Astros, he shut it down with his no-trade clause. As he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “I would like to, God willing, stay healthy and give the Cardinals fans something better to remember than last year”.

That does not sound like a guy itching to leave. But baseball moves fast, and scenarios change overnight. If the Cardinals fall apart, they may reconsider moving him—especially with his $260 million contract on the books through 2027. But the bigger question is, would the Yankees be willing to take on that financial commitment? And if not, where else do they lock?

Yankees explore alternatives as Nolan Arenado deal looks unlikely

If Arenado is off the table, the Yankees still have some alternatives. José Ramírez and Rafael Devers offer key offensive production, but would come at a monstrous price in prospects. Matt Chapman, on the other hand, is a more practical short-term option as an unsettled free agent with a power bat and Gold Glove defense. The Yankees have never hesitated to make midseason changes when their lineup needs a spark, and with LeMahieu’s health in question and Peraza struggling, they desperately need one now more than ever.

The farm system gives them an advantage in trade talks, but they are at a crossroads—push all in for 2025 or protect their future? Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones are prized prospects, but trading them would be a franchise-altering decision. Domínguez, working his way back from Tommy John surgery, is expected to return this season and could be a long-term solution in the outfield. Jones, a towering power-hitting face, has superstar potential. Moving them for a veteran like Arenado would be a bold swing, but is it the right one?

The Yankees have the resources to make a blockbuster deal, but whatever they choose at the deadline would not just shape 2025—it could decide the franchise’s direction for years to come. So what’s the move? Do they go all-in for Arenado? Is there a smarter way forward?

What do you think? Do the Yankees need to go all-in for Arenado? Share your thoughts.