“Yankees not eligible for trade for Cardinals 3B Nolan Arenado”: ​​Report

While the St. Louis Cardinals have already expressed their intention to shop experienced third baseman Nolan Arenado This winter, it appears the Yankees shouldn’t be considered a frontrunner in these trade talks.

According to YES Network’s Jack Curry, the Yankees currently believe Arenado “doesn’t fit on the 2025 roster,” citing his high price tag and disappointing 2024 season.

They reportedly value other position players and free agent first baseman more Christian Walker seems to be at the top of this list.

Arenado, who turns 34 in April, has had a season to forget – at least by his standards. The eight-time All-Star hit just 16 home runs for the Cardinals in 2024, his fewest since his rookie season in 2013, and posted a WAR of 2.5 in 152 games. The worrisome blackout also resulted in an OPS of .719 and an RBI of 71, his lowest full-season totals since 2014.

It’s also unclear how much money the Cardinals would have to eat in a trade. Arenado is still owed $74 million over the next three seasons, and while he has expressed his desperation to join a championship contender in recent years, the end of his mammoth contract complicates matters even further. Another obstacle is that it applies a complete no-trade clause.

Arenado’s agent, Joel Wolfe, recently told reporters that the five-time Silver Slugger would be open to a position change to facilitate a trade. While the Yankees have needs at both first and third base, Arenado has spent a decade playing outstanding defense at the hot corner. He received ten Gold Glove and six Platinum Glove awards in his 12-year career.

For now, the Yankees must have doubts about Arenado’s ability to regain the pop that once helped him hit 30-plus home runs with 100 RBI in seven consecutive full seasons. As for the Cardinals, they are entering a retooling period that makes it unlikely they will compete for a postseason appearance in 2025. They don’t have much influence.