Some rumors just won’t die, no matter how many times you bury them.
And Nolan Arenado to the Yankees is one of them.
Back in December, the Yankees and Cardinals talked about a deal, but nothing happened, and the Yankees moved on.
So, the Cardinals kept Arenado.
Then, the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman, and suddenly, the Yankees were interested in Arenado again.
Reports from MLB Network’s Mark Feinsand and MLB.com’s John Denton say the Yankees are checking back in on a trade.
But for this deal to happen, two big things need to change.
First, the Cardinals must pay some of the $64 million left on Arenado’s contract.
Second, the Yankees need to trade Marcus Stroman and his $18.5 million salary.
That won’t be easy.
- The Yankees are back in trade talks for Nolan Arenado, but a deal depends on St. Louis covering part of his $64 million contract and New York offloading Marcus Stroman’s $18.5 million salary.
- The Yankees are actively shopping Stroman, with Seattle as a potential trade partner, but a deal may hinge on the Mariners first moving Luis Castillo.
- Arenado controls his future with a no-trade clause, and with few approved teams, the Yankees remain one of the only realistic suitors.
The Yankees Still Have a Big Infield Problem
Before we get into Stroman, let’s talk about the Yankees’ infield.
Right now, they have Jazz Chisholm Jr. playing either second or third base.
But they still need one more infielder.
If they don’t get Arenado, who else is out there?
Some people thought the Yankees might go after Luis Arraez, but Jon Heyman shut that down quickly.
That leaves Brendan Rodgers, Paul DeJong, and Jose Iglesias.
None of them are on Arenado’s level.
They would just be filling a hole instead of making the Yankees better, and that’s why New York still wants Arenado.
But there’s one problem: his name is Marcus Stroman.
The Yankees Want to Trade Marcus Stroman
The Yankees don’t have room for Stroman anymore.
When they signed Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract, Stroman became the odd man out.
They already have Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil in the rotation.
That leaves Stroman with two options:
- Move to the bullpen
- Get traded
He has already said he doesn’t want to be a reliever, so the Yankees are trying to trade him.
But no one has made a deal because of how big Stroman’s contract is.
He is owed $18.5 million this year and has an $18 million player option for 2026 if he pitches at least 140 innings.
His 4.31 ERA in 2024 wasn’t bad, but he struggled in the second half.
After June, his ERA jumped to 5.70.
The same thing happened in 2023 when he played for the Cubs.
In his final 11 games, he had an 8.29 ERA.
So, teams are hesitant to take on his contract.
But there is one team that might be a fit.
Could the Mariners Trade for Stroman?
The Seattle Mariners have been involved in a lot of trade rumors this offseason.
Right now, they don’t need a starting pitcher.
But if they trade Luis Castillo for a bat, they could have an open spot in the rotation.
That’s where Stroman could come in.
And the numbers say he might be better outside of Yankee Stadium.
His home ERA was 5.31 last season.
But on the road, he had a 3.09 ERA.
Perhaps he’s just not a good fit for New York.
Seattle also has a strong infield defense, which could help him.
They have Gold Glove winner Dylan Moore at second base and J.P. Crawford at shortstop.
Plus, Stroman is known for getting a lot of ground balls.
But Seattle can’t trade for him unless they make another move first.
So, for now, everyone is waiting.
Arenado’s Stance: Staying or Leaving?
Now, back to Arenado.
He showed up to Cardinals camp like a guy who’s sick of hearing his name in trade talks, and can you blame him?
He spent the whole winter wondering if he was going to get moved.
Now that Boston is off the table, the list of teams that could realistically get him is shrinking fast.
He told Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he’s just focusing on playing baseball.
“I’m back, and I’m ready to go play ball. I’m a ballplayer, and I’m a Cardinal until I’m told I’m not.”
That’s not exactly “I want to be here forever,” but it’s also not “Trade me right now.”
John Mozeliak, the Cardinals’ president of baseball operations, has changed his tone. too.
Back in December, he was actively trying to trade Arenado.
Now he’s waiting to see if anyone calls.
Because here’s the thing: Arenado has a no-trade clause, and he’s picky.
According to reports, his list of approved teams is five or fewer.
The Astros tried to trade for him in December, but he blocked it because Houston traded Kyle Tucker, and he wasn’t sure they were still a contender.
The Dodgers, Padres, and Red Sox were all teams he liked, but Boston doesn’t need him anymore.
The Yankees, Angels, Phillies, and Mets have all been rumored, but none seem like serious options.
So, What Happens Next?
We’re in a holding pattern.
If the Yankees can dump Stroman’s contract, they might push harder for Arenado.
If the Cardinals decide to eat more of Arenado’s contract, a deal becomes easier.
If the Mariners make a move, maybe Stroman will find a new home.
Or, maybe nothing happens at all.
Arenado starts the season in St. Louis, Stroman stays in New York, and the Yankees settle for a lesser infielder while waiting for the trade deadline.
Knowing the way the Yankees operate, something’s going to give.
Maybe not today.
Maybe not tomorrow.
But they clearly aren’t done yet, and neither is the Arenado rumor.
