Published April 24, 2025
Updated April 24, 2025
The New York Yankees may be on the verge of making a major splash ahead of the trade deadline — and it involves one of the most accomplished infielders in the game.
After months of speculation surrounding Nolan Arenado’s future in St. Louis, MLB insiders are now predicting that the Yankees could be the team to finally land the $260 million superstar in a blockbuster deal. With the Cardinals reportedly ready to move on from Arenado and New York desperately seeking stability at third base, all signs point toward a potential match.
Arenado, who carries a hefty contract and a limited no-trade clause, has long been viewed as a challenging player to move. However, reports indicate he’d be willing to waive his clause for a contender — and the Yankees are not only contenders but are in a win-now mode after losing Gerrit Cole for the season and watching their infield depth thin due to injuries and inconsistent play.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield recently floated the Yankees as a top destination for Arenado, noting that the Bronx Bombers could offer enough salary flexibility and prospect capital to make a deal happen — especially if the Cardinals are willing to eat part of the contract. Arenado is owed $32 million this season, followed by $27 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027.
With the Yankees already boasting star power in Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, adding Arenado to the mix could create one of the most dangerous lineups in all of baseball. The veteran infielder is off to an impressive start this year, showing renewed patience at the plate and elite defensive metrics at third.
An acquisition of this magnitude wouldn’t just be a luxury for the Yankees — it could be a necessity. DJ LeMahieu’s health remains a concern, and Oswald Peraza has struggled to seize the third base role. Arenado would bring veteran leadership, playoff experience, and elite glove work to a team that’s hungry to return to the World Series for the first time since 2009.
While nothing is finalized, buzz around the league suggests the Yankees are preparing to make a serious push. If the front office can pull off this deal, the AL East — and perhaps the entire playoff landscape — could tilt dramatically in New York’s favor.
