The New York Yankees have several needs, some of which have been ongoing, while others have emerged following Gerrit Cole’s injury. While adding another starter would be the ideal move for a team aiming for a World Series title, the Yankees also find themselves in need of an infielder.
The St. Louis Cardinals could potentially meet both of these needs. The Cardinals have starting pitcher Sonny Gray and third baseman Nolan Arenado, both of whom are under contracts worth a combined $335 million, which might pose a financial challenge for the Yankees.
However, Zach Pressnell of FanSided proposed a trade scenario in which the Yankees acquire both players. While he acknowledged the financial hurdles, he noted that the deal could make sense if the Yankees are willing to absorb the costs.
“Firstly, the Yankees have shown interest in third baseman Nolan Arenado, but two obstacles are preventing a trade: General Manager Brian Cashman doesn’t seem eager to take on much of Arenado’s contract, and Arenado reportedly hasn’t agreed to waive his no-trade clause for a move to New York,” Pressnell explained.
“The Yankees could also consider bringing back Sonny Gray as a replacement for Cole. Gray has been strong in recent seasons and would provide much-needed stability in a rotation full of uncertainties. But what might a major trade for both players look like?”
Pressnell acknowledged that such a deal would significantly impact the Yankees’ payroll but could reduce the need to part with many top prospects. Instead, New York might only need to give up a few lower-tier prospects to land both stars.
However, Arenado’s contract and no-trade clause could be the major roadblock in making this trade happen.
Arenado Could Be the Issue
At this point in his career, Arenado isn’t without his shortcomings. The Yankees are wary of acquiring a player who seems to be past his prime, and that’s exactly the impression he gives off. The challenge is that the Yankees have few alternatives besides him. Additionally, Arenado’s no-trade clause complicates matters, as pointed out by ESPN’s Jorge Castillo.
Castillo explained, “The Cardinals would undoubtedly need to cover a portion of the financial burden to make a trade work. A deal might eventually occur in 2025—they had reached an agreement with the Houston Astros in December, only for Arenado to block it due to his full no-trade clause. It’s possible that a deal could be struck with the Yankees, especially since they recently signed Arenado’s close friend and former Cardinals first baseman, Paul Goldschmidt. But for now, the Yankees are managing with their current situation.”
That no-trade clause remains a significant hurdle since it ultimately gives Arenado the final say on his destination.
Is Gray Worth Trading For?
Since leaving the Yankees, Gray has transformed into a markedly different pitcher. While he isn’t exactly a Cole replacement, the Yankees have few options that match the talent of their injured ace.
Gray still delivers an ace-level performance, and if he’s willing to return and pitch for a team where he previously struggled, the idea could work.
That said, his initial stint wasn’t very impressive, which naturally raises some concerns.
