Cardinals Key Player Parts Ways with Team in Yankees Trade Solution

 

The St. Louis Cardinals kicked off the offseason with a series of moves signaling a shift toward rebuilding. After years of trying to stay competitive by relying on an aging veteran core, the front office finally appears to be changing course.

 

 

 

Among those moves, the Cardinals allowed Kyle Gibson and Paul Goldschmidt to depart in free agency. Meanwhile, rumors have circulated that St. Louis is actively shopping third baseman Nolan Arenado. With a no-trade clause and over $50 million remaining on his contract, moving him could prove challenging.

 

 

 

 

A logical landing spot for Arenado is the New York Yankees. After missing out on Juan Soto in free agency, the Yankees have been aggressive in adding talent this offseason. They’ve already acquired Goldschmidt to fill their first base void, and bringing in Arenado would allow him to slot in at third base while Jazz Chisholm Jr. moves to second, replacing Gleyber Torres.

 

 

 

Initially, it was unclear if Arenado would waive his no-trade clause for a move to New York, but current indications suggest he likely would.

While the Cardinals may not be willing to cover more than $20 million of Arenado’s remaining contract, that shouldn’t be an issue for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. A potential trade could see New York take on Arenado in exchange for a mid-tier prospect, making it a practical salary dump for St. Louis that benefits both sides.

 

 

 

This deal would resemble the Yankees’ acquisition of Cody Bellinger. A possible trade package could send infield prospect Jorbit Vivas to St. Louis, with the Cardinals including $15 million to help cover Arenado’s contract.

Though Vivas could compete to replace Torres in the Yankees’ infield, he lacks the defensive and offensive upside Arenado brings. While New York doesn’t necessarily need to acquire a Gold Glove third baseman, adding Arenado would be a major upgrade.

For the Cardinals, this trade is primarily about shedding payroll. Moving Arenado would free them from a hefty financial commitment while bringing back a young infield prospect in the process.