Earlier in the season, the New York Yankees showed little interest in trading for Nolan Arenado while the St. Louis Cardinals were struggling and unsure of their direction.
Now that Arenado is producing again and showing he’s still got value, the Yankees remain unlikely suitors—especially given the higher price tag and the fact that Arenado is probably off the market altogether. It’s a classic lose-lose-lose situation.
Arenado wasn’t an appealing fit for the Yankees going into 2025. Despite having three years and $30.5 million left on his deal, his lingering back issues and a swing not suited to Yankee Stadium made him a risky target.
Even with his stellar defense and chemistry with Paul Goldschmidt, the cost—both financially and in prospects—didn’t add up for New York.
Still, the Yankees find themselves in a familiar spot: a contending team with a glaring hole at third base, now worsened by Oswaldo Cabrera’s serious injury.
With one of their most reliable utility players gone, the need for a high-impact addition grows. Meanwhile, Arenado is hitting .264 with a 115 OPS+, a solid turnaround from earlier concerns, and Goldschmidt’s bounce-back might only boost Arenado’s morale and motivation.
But there’s little chance the Cardinals will entertain trade talks now. Riding a nine-game win streak and firmly in the playoff hunt, they have no reason to deal a player who’s regained form and morale.
Arenado himself seems reinvigorated and unlikely to waive his no-trade clause—especially not for a team that ignored him earlier and didn’t pursue him when his value was lower.
Unless DJ LeMahieu delivers an unexpected resurgence, the Yankees will still be searching for third base help come trade season.
But Arenado is no longer a realistic option—not financially, not practically, and certainly not with the way things are trending in St. Louis. If he wasn’t a fit before, he definitely isn’t now.
