The New York Yankees find themselves in a familiar position heading into the 2025-26 offseason: seeking upgrades that will return them to championship contention. Following another disappointing American League Division Series exit, the front office has identified third base as a key area of need. Enter St. Louis Cardinals veteran Nolan Arenado, the 10-time Gold Glove winner, who has become increasingly willing to waive his no-trade clause as the Cardinals embark on a multi-year rebuild.
This potential marriage of convenience presents an opportunity for both franchises to address their respective needs. The Yankees require a veteran third baseman with a championship pedigree, while the Cardinals are focused on stockpiling prospects and reducing payroll as they transition under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. With Nolan Arenado naming the Yankees as one of his approved trade destinations last offseason, there is a basis for a deal.
Why does Nolan Arenado make sense for the Yankees?
The Yankees’ third base situation deteriorated significantly in 2025 when they designated two-time batting champion DJ LeMahieu for assignment in July. Since then, the team has relied on a stopgap solution of versatile shortstops that is simply not good enough for a World Series-aspiring franchise. While Nolan Arenado is no longer the offensive force that hit 38 home runs in 2019, he still provides significant value both offensively and defensively.
In 2025, Nolan Arenado hit .237 with 12 home runs and a .666 OPS in 97 games. While these numbers represent a decline from his peak years, they still offer more production than the Yankees received at third base toward the end of the season. More importantly, Nolan Arenado’s defensive excellence remains intact.
His ability to make outstanding plays at the hot corner would immediately improve the Yankees’ infield defense, providing stability to a roster that needs it. The 34-year-old third baseman also brings intangibles that align with the Yankees’ championship culture. His postseason experience and veteran leadership would complement Aaron Judge’s presence in the clubhouse, bringing another established voice to a locker room seeking its first World Series title since 2009. With a $27 million contract in 2026 and $15 million in 2027, Nolan Arenado’s contract is manageable for a Yankees franchise with considerable salary flexibility.
The Perfect Trade Proposal
- Yankees Receive: Nolan Arenado (3B)
- Cardinals Receive: Carlos Lagrange (RHP), Brendan Beck (RHP), Ben Rice (C/1B) plus $10 million in cash considerations.
- This proposal addresses the core objectives of both teams while maintaining fairness for both sides. For the Yankees, they acquire an established third baseman who offers immediate defensive value and veteran leadership without giving up their top prospect, shortstop George Lombard Jr. The $10 million financial contribution reduces Arenado’s effective cost to $17 million in 2026 and $5 million in 2027, making him a value play for a championship-aspiring team.
- Carlos Lagrange, a 6-foot-7 right-hander, emerged as one of the Yankees’ breakout pitching prospects in 2025, showing a 65-grade fastball that reaches the high 90s along with multiple quality breaking pitches. At just 21 years old, Lagrange projects as a mid-rotation starter who could contribute to the Cardinals’ rotation as early as 2026.
- Brendan Beck adds another arm with Major League experience and potential. The 2021 second-round pick posted impressive numbers at Double-A and Triple-A in 2025, earning his place back on the Yankees’ top prospect lists. Beck’s refined three-pitch mix gives him a realistic floor as a back-of-the-rotation starter with potential for more.
- Ben Rice represents the unpredictable card in this package. The 26-year-old slugger hit .248 with 26 home runs and an .836 OPS in his first full season in the majors. While he is blocked in New York by established stars, Rice provides St. Louis with a cost-controlled power bat that can play both first base and catcher. As the Cardinals transition away from aging veterans, Rice offers immediate offensive production at positions where the team needs depth.
- The $10 million cash consideration makes the deal more attractive for St. Louis, allowing them to effectively acquire three controllable assets while reducing their financial commitment to just $32 million over two years. This fits perfectly with the Cardinals’ stated goal of reducing payroll while stockpiling young talent for their rebuild.
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