The New York Yankees have already made a pair of blockbuster trades this winter. However, they could have one more up their sleeve as spring training inches closer.
The Yankees need an infielder after they let Gleyber Torres walk. They have internal options, but would ideally want an upgrade from DJ LeMahieu. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter suggested they could add Nolan Arenado, but may want to bring Ryan Helsley to New York with him.
“Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza and veteran DJ LeMahieu are the leading in-house candidates to fill the void left behind by Gleyber Torres departing in free agency. However, all three are better served as bench players on a contending team,” wrote Reuter. “The Yankees could covet a package deal of Arenado and All-Star closer Ryan Helsley, as slotting him alongside Luke Weaver and newcomer Devin Williams at the back of their bullpen would give them a formidable late-inning trio.”
Arenado is playing on an eight-year, $260 million extension he signed in 2019 with the Colorado Rockies. Helsley will be a free agent after the season and is projected to earn a six-year, $81 million deal in free agency. The Cardinals are seemingly in rebuild mode and want to load up on young players.
Arenado could take over in the hot corner, allowing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to slot in at second base. Helsley and Williams are two of the best relievers in the game and would give Aaron Boone options at the end of games. Helsley is one of the only delivers in baseball that could push Williams back to a setup role.
Arenado is an eight-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, 10-time Gold Glover and six-time Platinum Glover. Helsley is a two-time All-Star and led Major League Baseball in saves in 2024. He won the Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year as well.
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