The New York Yankees have been rumored to be interested in acquiring players through free agency and trades, including Nolan Arenado. He’s said to be on the market from the St. Louis Cardinals. However, recent reports from an MLB insider claim that the Yankees were aggressively going after Arenado, which turned out to be nothing more than false rumors.

The idea of Arenado joining the Yankees certainly made sense on paper. New York’s pursuit of big names and their well-documented search for infield upgrades naturally pointed to a player of Arenado’s caliber. He’s a perennial Gold Glover, a former MVP candidate, and a consistent bat. However, the report pulls the plug on this idea, making it clear that the Yankees have not shown interest in acquiring the veteran third baseman.

No truth behind the Nolan Arenado rumors

The New York Post Sports recently posted a video on X  in which Joel Sherman in a new episode of Pinstripe Post talked about the Nolan Arenado rumors. he said, “I will say that this entire offseason, even when people were overheated on the Arenado thing, that felt like totally modern-day bullsh**, where one person writes it and it catches on like wildfire. But I couldn’t find anybody with the Yankees who would say, ‘Yeah, we’re interested in him.”

The key stumbling block in any potential trade would be Nolan Arenado’s full no-trade clause. This clause grants the 33-year-old third baseman full control over where he plays. If the Cardinals wanted to move him, it would ultimately depend on Arenado’s willingness to waive the clause for any team. That means the Yankees or any other suitor would need Arenado’s approval before any trade could move forward.

While the Yankees may not have been in talks for Arenado, it doesn’t mean they aren’t actively looking to improve their roster. With the team still aiming to boost their infield and bolster their pitching staff, there’s no shortage of other names in the market. For now, the Yankees’ interest seems to be elsewhere, leaving Arenado’s future in St. Louis, at least for the time being, more secure.

For the Cardinals, keeping Arenado remains a viable option, especially given his production last season and his place as one of the league’s premier defenders. As for the Yankees, the Arenado connection is officially a non-starter, and New York fans can turn their attention to the next potential acquisition, whichever direction that may take.

Why the Cardinals may be open to moving Arenado

The St. Louis Cardinals may consider trading Nolan Arenado due to their performance in the 2024 season and the desire to recalibrate their team roster following a campaign. Despite Arenado’s standout contributions, the Cardinals inability to compete effectively has prompted them to contemplate their long-term plans. Sending off Arenado (owed 96 million through 2027) could potentially free up room for the team as they look to fill various gaps in their lineup, like pitching depth.

Additionally, Nolan Arenado’s age and contract timeline may not align with the Cardinals’ long-term plans. At 33, he remains an elite player but could see a decline during the remaining years of his deal. If the Cardinals think they won’t be competitive enough and decide to trade Arenado at this time when he’s still a valuable asset, it could help them get the most out of the deal.

Making such a decision would show a commitment to adapting for success despite the choice of letting go of a key player for the team’s long-term prospects. Whether he stays or goes, his decision could significantly shape the trajectory of both the Cardinals and his prospective new team.