The New York Yankees have made a savvy move by signing Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal, bolstering their roster with the seasoned first baseman. After spending six successful seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, Goldschmidt, a former MVP, is now ready to bring his expertise and leadership to the Yankees. The deal not only adds a strong presence to the corner infield but also positions Goldschmidt to potentially finish his career as one of the best first basemen in MLB history.

While Goldschmidt fills the first baseman role, the Yankees are still actively seeking a solution for their third base position. Currently, Jazz Chisholm is occupying third base, but his natural position is second base, highlighting the need for a more permanent option at the hot corner. With Goldschmidt now on the roster, there is growing speculation that the Yankees may look to add his close friend and longtime teammate, Nolan Arenado, to the mix. Reports suggest that the Yankees are willing to offer Arenado a lucrative $21 million deal, potentially making this a blockbuster move.

A blockbuster trade seems to be on the way for the Yankees

Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado have shared a strong bond for years, playing together for the St. Louis Cardinals and forming one of the most dynamic duos in baseball. Now, with Goldschmidt joining the New York Yankees on a one-year deal, there’s growing speculation that his presence could encourage Arenado to waive his no-trade clause and join him in the Bronx.

The Yankees are currently searching for a solid third baseman, and with Goldschmidt in the fold, the team could have the perfect opportunity to strengthen their infield by acquiring Arenado. Although the Yankees had previously approached the Cardinals about a potential deal for Goldschmidt during the offseason, a trade never materialized. However, reports suggest that Arenado is open to a trade, making this the ideal time for the two longtime teammates to reunite in New York.

The Yankees have been utilizing Jazz Chisholm Jr. at third base due to a lack of other viable options, but with the growing speculation around acquiring Nolan Arenado, there could be a shift in their infield alignment. Should the Yankees secure Arenado, it would allow them to move Chisholm back to his natural second base position, strengthening their overall infield. With Anthony Volpe already locked in at shortstop, the addition of both Paul Goldschmidt and Arenado would give the Yankees a formidable and well-rounded infield.

Arenado’s no-trade clause, however, adds an interesting layer to the speculation. He would need to approve any trade between the St. Louis Cardinals and New York. Although Arenado has been one of the best third basemen in the game, his underwhelming playoff performances have led to consideration of waiving his no-trade clause, especially if it means joining a World Series contender like the Yankees. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are looking for a reset after trading some major players with high hopes of winning in the upcoming seasons.

The Cardinals are planning for a “restructure” of their team

The St. Louis Cardinals’ plans to restructure their roster come as no surprise, as they look to clear payroll and focus on giving more playing time to their emerging young talent. While much of the attention has been on the potential trade of Nolan Arenado, with multiple teams expressing interest, the Cardinals are also fielding inquiries for several other key players.

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays have shown significant interest in acquiring All-Star closer Ryan Helsley, recognizing his value in bolstering their bullpen. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers have expressed interest in veteran starting pitchers Steven Matz and Erick Fedde, both of whom could provide solid depth to their respective rotations.

The Yankees have shown interest in trading pitcher Marcus Stroman to the St. Louis Cardinals, but talks have so far been declined. The 33-year-old right-hander posted a 4.31 ERA over 30 games last season and wasn’t utilized during the playoffs. With $18.3 million remaining on his contract, which could double if he pitches 140 innings in the upcoming season, the Yankees are likely to shift their focus to other potential deals that do not involve Stroman.

By keeping first base affordable with the addition of Goldschmidt, the Yankees are positioning themselves to make more significant moves. This financial flexibility opens the door for them to target infield talent like Alex Bregman, whose connection with the Yankees increases the likelihood of securing him in a competitive race. While the Houston Astros were initially the favorites to retain Bregman, their decision to sign Christian Walker has taken them out of the running, giving the Yankees an edge.

In addition to bolstering their infield, the Yankees are also looking to acquire another ace pitcher to complement Max Fried or Gerrit Cole at the top of their rotation. The potential trade involving Stroman and Nolan Arenado could help clear up payroll space, enabling the Yankees to fund other trades or perhaps secure Arenado’s services. With these moves, the Yankees are positioning themselves for a competitive push in the coming seasons.