The Nolan Arenado Trade Saga: A Complex and Ongoing Drama
Nolan Arenado, the eight-time All-Star third baseman, remains with the St. Louis Cardinals despite an ongoing trade saga that has stretched well into the 2025 spring training season. The situation began when Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak informed Arenado that he would attempt to trade him, primarily due to the financial burden of his eight-year, $260 million contract. Arenado, who still has approximately $37 million owed to him, holds a no-trade clause, giving him significant control over his future. He has limited his potential destinations to just five teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and Houston Astros.
A Narrowing Field: The Remaining Options for Arenado
The list of potential suitors for Arenado has already begun to shrink. A planned trade with the Houston Astros fell through after Arenado reportedly had second thoughts and vetoed the deal. Additionally, the Boston Red Sox have been ruled out as a possibility after they signed former Astros third baseman Alex Bregman during spring training. With Max Muncy and Manny Machado occupying the third base positions for the Dodgers and Padres, respectively, the Yankees have emerged as the most viable destination for Arenado.
The Yankees as the Top Contenders
According to Erik Kratz and A.J. Pierzynski, former MLB catchers and hosts of the "Foul Territory" podcast, the Yankees are now the most likely landing spot for Arenado. The team’s current third base situation is uncertain, with 36-year-old DJ LeMahieu being the primary option despite his struggles with injuries over the past four seasons. LeMahieu’s limited availability and declining performance make him a less-than-ideal solution for the Yankees, who are looking to compete for a World Series title.
Why Arenado Makes Sense for the Yankees
Arenado represents a significant upgrade over LeMahieu both offensively and defensively. While Arenado’s 2024 OPS of .719 was below his usual standards, it was still far better than LeMahieu’s anemic .527. Defensively, Arenado’s ability to save runs—one of the key metrics for evaluating fielders—was far superior to LeMahieu’s performance. Arenado prevented six runs in 2024, while LeMahieu allowed nearly a run more than the average third baseman. These statistics suggest that Arenado would bring a much-needed boost to the Yankees’ lineup and infield defense.
The Cost and Complications of a Potential Trade
Despite the clear benefits of acquiring Arenado, the Yankees—and the Cardinals—face significant challenges in making a deal happen. Arenado’s contract, which still has approximately $37 million left, is a hefty financial burden for any team to take on. Additionally, the Cardinals would likely need to receive meaningful talent in return or absorb a portion of Arenado’s salary to make the trade palatable. The situation is further complicated by Arenado’s no-trade clause, which ensures that he has the final say in where he ends up.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Nolan Arenado?
As spring training progresses, all eyes will be on Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals to see how this saga unfolds. The Yankees remain the most logical destination for Arenado, but the financial and logistical hurdles to a trade are substantial. If the Cardinals are unable to find a suitable deal, Arenado may be forced to remain with the team for the foreseeable future. For now, the baseball world waits to see where one of the game’s most accomplished third basemen will land next.
