From 2021 to 2024, the St. Louis Cardinals had the advantage of having two outstanding corner infielders, Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, anchoring their order. The New York Yankees are reportedly stepping up their efforts to get Goldschmidt, the veteran first baseman—and there’s growing talk that Arenado will join him in the Bronx.
According to sources, Paul Goldschmidt’s potential move to New York might play a critical part in enticing his former colleague, Nolan Arenado, to waive his no-trade clause and sign with the Yankees.
Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, has been a top target for New York, which reportedly approached the Cardinals early this summer about a trade. However, those conversations came to a halt because St. Louis refused to take on veteran pitcher Marcus Stroman’s deal.
Acquiring Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, who have been teammates in St. Louis for the past four seasons, would allow the Yankees to reorganize their infield. Jazz Chisholm Jr. could go from third to second base, joining Anthony Volpe at shortstop. This change would result in a more cohesive infield for the reigning 2024 American League champions.
Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado play together for the Cardinals.
In December 2018, John Mozeliak arranged a trade to acquire Goldschmidt, sending pitcher Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly, and infielder Andy Young to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Goldschmidt was in the final year of his contract. To retain his long-term services, St. Louis signed him to a five-year, $130 million contract, keeping him with the organization until 2024.
Mozeliak acquired Arenado from the Colorado Rockies for $51 million, along with pitchers Austin Gomber, Tony Locey, Jake Sommers, and infielders Mateo Gil and Elehuris Montero. Despite Arenado’s struggles over the last two seasons, the trade stands out as a significant victory for the Cardinals.
Goldschmidt and Arenado combined for an amazing collection of honours during their four seasons as Cardinals teammates: three Gold Gloves, two Silver Sluggers, four All-Star selections, and top-three performances in the 2022 NL MVP race, with Goldschmidt winning. These accomplishments demonstrate the considerable impact they had on St. Louis in a relatively short period of time.
Where these two future Hall of Famers fall short is the Cardinals’ overall performance during their time. Since 2021, St. Louis has won one division title and entered the playoffs in only two of four seasons, with Arenado and Goldschmidt leading the way. The team’s overall record of 337-311 over that time period, which translates to a.520 winning percentage, represents strong but ordinary performance.
The Cardinals’ playoff performance with Arenado and Goldschmidt on the team has been nothing short of disastrous. The squad was swept in the Wild Card series in both 2021 and 2022, with the two stars batting only 2-for-22. They didn’t get a single extra-base hit, drew only two walks, and struck out seven times in those games. Their postseason woes were a major factor in the Cardinals’ failure to go past the Wild Card stage in either year.
The Yankees may theoretically acquire Goldschmidt and Arenado.
Following the disappointment of losing superstar Juan Soto to their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, the Yankees have made aggressive moves to bolster their team. They signed left-hander Max Fried to a rich eight-year, $218 million contract, then traded for outstanding reliever Devin Williams and versatile first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger. Adding Goldschmidt and Arenado would strengthen the Yankees’ offence and provide veteran backup for reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge.
According to insiders, Paul Goldschmidt, at 37, is looking for a multi-year contract. This might give the Yankees pause, especially given that Goldschmidt has set career lows in several important offensive categories over the last two seasons, following his 2022 National League MVP trophy.
Arenado, 33, has three years and $74 million remaining on his deal, with Colorado still accountable for $10 million and $12 million deferred. This cuts the investment of a new team to around $60 million. Arenado used his complete no-trade right to reject a planned deal between St. Louis and Houston, which would have required the Cardinals to pay an additional $15-20 million in salary.
Goldschmidt and Arenado will undoubtedly be missed in St. Louis, but it’s difficult not to feel that more could have been accomplished during their tenure with the organization. It’s a melancholy finish to a difficult period in Cardinal history.
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