Spring training is finally here! After a lengthy winter break, the New York Yankees have undergone a significant revamp. However, there are a few remaining issues. For starters, there are ailments to veteran slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who is an important component of the Yankee lineup. Replacing Stanton in the batting order will necessitate a dependable hitter, something the Yankees’ general depth appears to lack. But this is not their main focus. After walking Gleyber Torres, the Yankees have few solid infield alternatives. And with Stanton’s injury, this position in the batting order has become even more vital.
Despite a comprehensive examination of both the trade and free agent markets, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has come up empty so far. However, there have been a few hints of hope. St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Moleziak, who has been keen to reduce salary wherever possible, recently explored a potential deal with the Yankees for veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado.
In 2024, Arenado batted.272/.325/.394/.719 with 16 home homers. His fielding at third base has been vital to both the Rockies and the Cardinals, earning 10 Gold Gloves over his 12-year career. His numbers appear to be in sharp decline. Even so, his offensive production and glovework are vastly superior to what the Yankees’ internal choices have produced in recent years. His bat might add depth to the Yankees’ already strong lineup. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that the Yankees are interested.
According to MLB source Jon Heyman, the Yankees have no interest in Arenado
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees have no interest in trading for Arenado. Heyman reported this in the New York Post:
“Despite the lack of a clear-cut third baseman, the Yankees remain uninterested in Nolan Arenado, believing him to be on the decline. They also have no money left (he has $74 million to spend over three years).
Cashman, who is determined to find an infielder, made his search contingent on a budget. To save money, he would either recruit cheap help or dump Marcus Stroman’s contract. With Stroman still in the mix, Arenado appears to be out of the running.
For the time being, it appears that the Yankees will continue to let DJ LeMahieu, Oswald Peraza, and Oswaldo Cabrera compete for third base. This trio hit.229 with 10 home runs in 510 at-bats last season.
Only ten of these at-bats belong to Peraza, the least experienced of the three. Peraza showed potential upon his debut in 2022, but has since regressed. A string of injuries over the last few years have limited his opportunities to prove himself in the major leagues.
The 36-year-old LeMahieu (who will be 37 this season) is widely regarded as the early front-runner. After suffering a series of devastating injuries, the former batting champion has slowed dramatically. His health and his bat will be prioritized until he can alleviate these concerns.
The Yankees’ position at third base does not look encouraging, but this is likely what fans should anticipate on Opening Day. One can only hope that the Yankees’ lack of interest in Arenado is really a negotiating tactic. But for now, it appears that we can rule out an Arenado move.
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