The St. Louis Cardinals are yet to make a big move this offseason, and with spring training looming around, they better do it fast. There have been many rumors about the Cardinals trading Nolan Arenado, but till now nothing is imminent. The Red Sox are one interested party, and if they do bring in Arenado, Alex Bregman will be out. 

Considering that Bregman is asking for a lot of money, thanks to his super agent Scott Boras, getting Arenado makes a lot of sense. But this perfect trade could have one obstacle in their way—the New York Yankees. The Yanks have shown interest in Nolan Arenado recently. The Cardinals want to take some money off their payroll, and this trade will make that possible. 

The New York Yankees emerge as possible contenders  

In a recent episode of MaxCoverageTV, the host talks about the Yankees ‘re-engaging’ in talks with the Cardinals about Nolan Arenado. “The Yankees want Cardinals to take on some of that contract in order for them to move him. The Cardinals do not want to take on the money that the Yankees want,” the host said. Along with the Yanks, the Red Sox and the Dodgers are also in the mix for the infielder’s services. Nolan Arenado also has a no-trade clause in his contract with the Cardinals. 

That means that the player will have to waive his clause in order to be traded. Arenado already declined to be traded to the Houston Astros earlier in December. Nolan Arenado, entering his age-34 season, remains a dynamic force in the MLB, but the question is: How much would the St. Louis Cardinals be willing to swallow to move him? With three years and a hefty $64 million remaining on the contract he inked with the Colorado Rockies back in 2019, it’s clear the Cardinals are at a crossroads. 

Nolan Arenado’s trade value has undoubtedly taken a hit  

Arenado’s OPS, which sat at a solid .891 in 2022, plummeted to just .719 in 2024, but the more concerning part? Arenado didn’t win a Gold Glove for the first time in the last two seasons. However, the California native is still a Gold Glove-caliber defender. The 33-year-old’s trade value now depends largely on how much of his remaining $64 million contract the Cardinals are willing to absorb. 

In this sense, the New York Yankees do stand out as one of the few teams in a position to take on that financial commitment. The Pinstripes have an opportunity to strengthen their roster, especially after Gleyber Torres and Juan Soto left. By adding a bat who can still contribute in the middle of their order and a reliable glove, Arenado would help support the hot corner. 

It looks like Arenado may have a happy reunion with a former colleague in the Yanks! Paul Goldschmidt is a former player from St. Louis who signed with the Yankees earlier this winter. It would be a smart move for the Yankees to acquire the third baseman from other suitors, particularly Boston. Do you believe their infield will be strengthened by bringing in a veteran like Arenado? Let us know below.