The stage is set for yet another MLB trade, but it’s the St Louis Cardinals who are on the center stage, eyeing a major move to reshape their roster. After missing the playoffs for a second time in a row, the Cardinals are poised to elevate their chances next season.

At the trade table sits their star third baseman Nolan Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glove winner. Arenado, who has expressed his willingness to move to a strong title-contention team, is part of a potential deal that involves his exchange to the Yankees for Marcus Stroman, with the hope of addressing the Cardinals’ starting pitching needs. The St. Louis team is hoping to ‘reengage’ with New York, as MLB’s John Denton put it.

However, there is a certain obstacle that is looming over the negotiations. An $18 million dilemma, a major financial complication that could derail the trade. The issue is that the team that is willing to acquire Stroman, who has to deal with a player option, which activates if he pitches 140 innings in 2025. So the teams eyeing Stroman should not only be concerned about factors like age and recent performance but also this clause significantly complicating any potential trade.

So the Cardinals would have to account for the possibility that he could be on their roster for two years rather than just one. Moreover, this trade would involve taking on an additional financial commitment for a player who hasn’t consistently been dominant in recent seasons. While Stroman pitches well enough to reach the 140 mark in 2025, the team could still be stuck with a $18 million salary for a second year, even if his performance declines.

Although both teams seem to be motivated about the deal, they are experiencing this $18 million hurdle. For the Cardinals, the prospect of offloading Arenado’s substantial contract while securing a starting pitcher like Stroman makes sense in their current rebuild, but the added financial responsibility attached to Stroman is a gamble they may not be willing to take.

As the trade talks continue to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the financial hurdle is cleared or this deal fades away in the background of offseason negotiations.

What does the Arenado trade mean for the Yankees?

While there is a possible uncertainty around the Nolan Arenado trade to the New York Yankees, this deal would be a game-changer for the team. They will be provided a major upgrade in both their defense as well as offense.

A 10-time Gold Glove winner, Arenado is regarded as one of the best third basemen in the league. Offensively, Arenado is a major boost, thanks to his his consistent power hitting while also maintaining a good batting average. Not to mention, his presence in the middle of the lineup would provide protection for players like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, making the Yankees’ offense even more formidable.

Additionally, his elite fielding skills would improve their infield defense by preventing extra-base hits and saving runs, particularly in high-pressure situations. With a player of such caliber, he could be the final piece that turns the Yankees into unstoppable contenders.