The New York Yankees are done with history repeating itself. Of course, we’re talking about them falling short of clinching the much-coveted rings. Their 2024 season ended short as the team fell to the dominant Los Angeles Dodgers. And as if that was not heartbreak enough, they even lost Juan Soto to the New York Mets. Well, they might be heartbroken but are categorically not defeated; bouncing back, they bolstered their roster beautifully, adding names from Max Fried to Cody Bellinger and more. But amidst the overhaul, one name has begun to churn naysaying now.

While the team looks well-rounded, they still have a glaring hole—their third base. There is huge speculation about a potential trade for St. Louis Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado. And this has sparked huge debates across the Yankees fandom. Just the idea of adding him seems great on the surface. A Gold Glove winner and a future Hall of Famer, he is regarded as one of the best third basemen. But the reality hits a little differently now – and Joel Sherman pointed out why recently.

For Sherman, Arenado may be great on paper, but in reality, that hot run of form is history. Now he is a “declining asset” with an expensive contract. And he warns the New York Yankees that they should be cautious about repeating the LeMahieu scenario.

“You don’t end up with some version of LeMahieu, who coincidentally is his best friend. I would stay away from Nolan Arenado,” said Sherman. And well, DJ LeMahieu’s scene is tricky, with the 36-year-old having been plagued by injuries and consistency issues. He appeared in just 67 games and struggled with a .204 batting average. And Arenado’s recent numbers too suggest a lagging trend.

So Sherman mentioned that getting Nolan Arenado with a similar history and injuries can lead to the same results. First Arenado is a 33-year-old – an age when players already start declining. And the numbers seem to agree agree. He hit. 272 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs. Not bad, huh? But for a player of his rep, this isn’t the best bar. Sherman also went on to mention another huge factor—the money left on Pete Alonso’s contract. “He might be declining and you have to pay him $20 million this year, then $20 million next year and next.” So clearly, the Yankees could end up playing for a player who might not deliver them the returns they want.

Plus, there is also the factor that the New York Yankees are facing a $110 million tax. So making a risky move right now might not be the best decision. Right now, according to Sherman, instead of shackling themselves with a potential mistake, the team could wait it out for better options. Sometimes, as they say, you have to make the prudent choices instead of flashy ones.

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Nolan Arenado sticks with the Cardinals after off-season drama

Nolan Arenado was the talk of the town because there was a huge elephant in the room—where and whether he would be moved? The St. Louis Cardinals made it clear they wanted to trade him to clear some space for another Nolan – Nolan Gorman at third base – and also reduce the payroll. But despite their efforts, Arenado is back in the Cardinals uniform, showing up in spring training too!

Arenado saw offers from many, even the Houston Astros. But he wasn’t happy, and he has a no-trade clause and wasn’t willing to move to Houston. “I got a family now, and to be willing to pick up my family and move them, it has to be something that is worth it. So, that’s kind of why the list was fairly small, and I don’t see myself really changing that list ever.” So he chose to let go of the option and stay in St. Louis for at least another year.

Granted, things have gotten a bit awkward with the team, but president of the baseball operations of the Cardinals, John Mozeliak, made it clear—Arenado’s return was positive for the team. “Simply put, with Nolan on our team, we feel we’re a better team.” Arenado, meanwhile, is excited too and ready to put the past behind. “I’m excited to get to work. I’m a ballplayer, and I’m really focusing on getting ready for the season,” said Nolan.

Well for now, Arenado is putting the talks to rest. But it remains to see what will happen in the near future. What do you think? Is his presence in the Yankees a good idea? Let us know in the comments below.