The New York Yankees entered the season intending to use DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera at third base. But with LeMahieu sidelined by a spring training injury and Cabrera better suited for a utility or bench role, the Yankees now face a clear need for improved production at the position if they hope to return to the World Series. ESPN’s David Schoenfield included the Yankees as a potential destination for Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, noting several teams struggling at the hot corner.
“Alec Bohm hasn’t been producing for the Phillies, the Cubs have sent Matt Shaw down, the Blue Jays are getting little from third base, and the Yankees’ third basemen have only one home run,” Schoenfield wrote. “If the Cardinals are willing to cover part of his contract, they might be able to move Arenado.”
Arenado, who signed an eight-year, $260 million contract with the Rockies in 2019 before being traded to St. Louis, was reportedly open to waiving his no-trade clause this past offseason. Although the Dodgers are believed to be his preferred team, he might consider the Yankees if Los Angeles isn’t interested.
With a 9-14 record, the Cardinals may look to trim payroll ahead of the trade deadline and kick off a rebuild. Dealing Arenado could bring in promising young talent and significantly reduce expenses. So far this season, the eight-time All-Star is batting .288 with a .395 on-base percentage and .452 slugging, along with two homers and 10 RBIs — numbers that could make him a game-changer for a Yankees squad aiming to win the American League for the second straight year.
