The New York Yankees continue to work diligently on reshaping a roster that was a World Series contender last season. Their latest move involved signing first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, the 2022 National League MVP with the St. Louis Cardinals, to a $12.5 million contract. While significant, the 37-year-old, seven-time All-Star’s signing could be even more impactful by opening the door for the Yankees to pursue another strong infielder to fill a position of need.
Goldschmidt’s former teammate, star third baseman Nolan Arenado, has spent the last four years with him in St. Louis and is one of the top players potentially available on the trade market this offseason. The Yankees have already expressed interest in Arenado, and MLB.com highlighted how the addition of Goldschmidt might influence the team’s efforts to acquire the third baseman.
“Sources added that the veteran first baseman’s … presence in New York could have a strong influence on former teammate Nolan Arenado waiving his no-trade clause and agreeing to play for the Yankees if New York pursues a trade with St. Louis for the 10-time Gold Glove winner,” MLB.com wrote Friday. “The Yankees approached the Cardinals earlier this offseason about a deal for Arenado, sources said, but they were rebuffed because St. Louis had no interest in taking on the contract of veteran right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman.”
Arenado, 33, has three seasons remaining on his eight-year, $260 million deal.
Yankees Not Among Teams Nolan Arenado Had on Initial Top-6 List
Arenado’s no-trade clause presents a significant hurdle to any potential deal, as just 10 days ago, he excluded the Yankees from a list of six teams he would be willing to approve a trade to. According to John Denton of MLB.com, those teams included the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres.
However, the Yankees might now be added as a seventh team on that list, especially given their strong interest in bolstering their infield. New York likely plans to move Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base in 2025, leaving third base as the remaining major gap in their infield.
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