MLB Trade Rumors: Nolan Arenado Linked to Yankees

Going into his age-34 season, Nolan Arenado still has three years left on his contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, and a no-trade clause. Nevertheless, the outspoken Michael Kay has suggested on New York radio that a NY Yankees trade for Arenado should be their backup plan if they're unable to re-sign their No. 1 target, free agent Juan Soto.

If the Yankees don’t re-sign Juan Soto, @RealMichaelKay thinks New York should acquire Nolan Arenado via trade from the St. Louis Cardinals.🤔 pic.twitter.com/gXFAOtCwQ1
— Patrick Lyons (@PatrickDLyons) November 8, 2024

While Pete Alonso has been said by many to be the Yankees' top Plan B, Kay is adamant that his Arenado proposal makes more sense.

The Cardinals are cleaning house... He has a no-trade clause, but I've talked with Arenado, and he's a 'baseball guy.' He understands... the history of the game... He's a platinum glove level third baseman... This guy is a pro.

One more thing to consider, however, as Kay did allude to by saying sure, "he's probably on the downside." In fact, Arenado's OPS, OPS+, HR, RBIs, Runs, and doubles have all been sliding in the wrong direction for the past two seasons. In fact, he had only about half of the extra-base hits in 2024 that he had in 2022.

But as a 10-time Gold Glove winner, his defense is still stellar at the hot corner, and the Yankees were playing Jazz Chisholm out of position at 3B after they acquired him this past season, as third has been a black hole for them for the past couple of years since the disastrous end-days of Josh Donaldson.

Certainly, the Cardinals are looking to enact a rebuild, but it remains to be seen if they, Arenado (or the Yankees) have any interest in a trade of this kind.