The New York Yankees are exploring various options to strengthen their lineup. After losing three key players from the 2024 season—Gleyber Torres (second base), Anthony Rizzo (first base), and Juan Soto (right field)—they’ll need to get creative in enhancing their roster. Since it’s unlikely they can fill all these spots solely with free-agent acquisitions, the trade market becomes a viable option.
Could the Yankees address their needs via trade?
One player the Yankees are reportedly considering is St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. While he remains an exceptional defender at third base, the former Colorado Rockies star is starting to show signs of aging offensively. Turning 34 in April, Arenado has seen his home run numbers decline for three consecutive seasons—34 in 2021, 30 in 2022, 26 in 2023, and just 16 this past year. He is also coming off a relatively underwhelming 102 wRC+.
Arenado does have the potential to rebound in a stronger lineup with a more talented supporting cast. However, the Yankees could approach a potential deal in a creative way. If the Cardinals expect to receive anything of value from the Yankees in return for the aging Arenado, they may need to include an additional incentive. That incentive could come in the form of utilityman Brendan Donovan.
Donovan makes acquiring Arenado a more palatable idea for the Yankees
Donovan is an undervalued hitter with exceptional defensive versatility. His all-around skills earned him the 2022 NL Gold Glove in the utility position. The 27-year-old left-handed hitter has a solid 119 career wRC+, largely due to his ability to work walks and get on base. Additionally, he possesses surprising power, which could be further enhanced by playing half of his games at Yankee Stadium.
If the Yankees take on Arenado’s substantial contract, they should try to include Donovan (or Lars Nootbar) in the deal. This will depend on what the Yankees are willing to give up. Donovan could step in as the Yankees’ second baseman, effectively replacing Gleyber Torres, while Arenado moves to first base, a position he’s open to playing. Alternatively, if Arenado stays at third base, Donovan could shift to first, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. taking over second base. Adding two players to the deal would give the Yankees more flexibility. At this stage in his career, Arenado alone may not be very appealing, but pairing him with Donovan could make the deal much more attractive to the Yankees, potentially leading to a better return for the Cardinals.
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