The New York Yankees look like American League contenders once again, but may be in need of a third baseman before the postseason starts. They should be getting Jazz Chisholm Jr. back soon, but they may be better suited with an external addition.
Chisholm is expected to play third base with a platoon at second base. DJ LeMahieu will all be in the mix at second base when Chisholm returns, but adding an elite third baseman and keeping Chisholm at second base could help them really take their offense up a notch. Oswaldo Cabrera was manning third base before his injury and Oswald Peraza has been there since.
Even with Cabrera, the team was not getting much out of the third base position offensively. Robbie Hyde tabbed Nolan Arenado as a trade fit for the Yankees as they look to upgrade at third base.
The Yankees have been linked to Arenado in trade rumors since the offseason. However, there are some hurdles to clear before any trade can happen. Perhaps the biggest hurdle is Arenado’s eight-year, $260 million contract.
His contract is not only expensive, but comes with a no-trade clause. That means Arenado would have to approve any deal with the Yankees. Additionally, the Yankees would have to put together a package that would entice the Cardinals to even consider parting ways with him.
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The second obstacle for the Yankees in acquiring Arenado is the fact that the St. Louis Cardinals have managed to outplay their expectations. They are just four games out of first place in the National League Central and are seven games above .500. Not many expected them to be in this position, but if things continue the way they have, the Cardinals could actually be looking to add players at the trade deadline.
Arenado is an eight-time All-Star, a five-time Silver Slugger, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, and a six-time Platinum Glove winner. He is slashing .228/.300/.374. He has cooled down after a hot start, but would still be an upgrade over what the Yankees have been getting from third base all season. He would also be reunited with Paul Goldschmidt across the diamond.
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