Only time will tell whether Nolan Arenado will be with the Yankees! But the Cardinals’ third baseman seems not to mind the long trip to be in the starting lineup for the game against the New York Yankees. While many considered it an audition for the Yankees, Arenado dispelled any such rumors. There’s still some time left, as the current trade discussions are mostly centered on his interest in playing in a competitive environment. Arenado, the ten-time Golden Glove winner, managed to drive three hours from Jupiter, Florida, to Tampa Bay to play against the Bronx Bombers. So, do you still think that he may be trying to put on a showcase?
Well, most probably not. However, Nolan Arenado was linked with the New York Yankees during the winter, and despite the negotiations between the Yankees and Cardinals, none came forward before the start of the regular season. In the 2024 season, he had an average of.272,.325 OBP,.719 OPS, and 16 home runs scored. Given his somewhat moderate performance, there was some lobbying by the Yankees’ fans; however, Arenado cleared the air, mentioning, “I didn’t come here for that. Day 3 of spring training. That wouldn’t be a good day to showcase myself. I’m not ready for that.”
Nolan Arenado heard some lobbying from #Yankees fans today.
"I didn’t come here for that," he says, laughing, when asked about trade possibilities. "Day 3 of spring training. That wouldn’t be a good day to showcase myself. I’m not ready for that."
He came to hang Tues night…
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) February 26, 2025
Arenado made his intentions clear of being part of the spring training and not to showcase himself. He also mentioned hanging around with his friends—Paul Goldschmidt, DJ LeMahieu, and others who knew him—and to remain on time during the games. However, on February 26, during the Foul Territory podcast, when asked about Arenado’s three-hour travel to be a showcase, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal said, “It’s not normal at all. And it does show me that Arenado wants to play in front of the Yankees and maybe give them something to think about.” Guess it’s true?
Maybe, as Rosenthal mentioned, given the Yankees’ decline in offensive flexibility, if they move Marcus Stroman, they may just give it a chance to have Nolan Arenado in the team. Think that’s going to be possible?
The Yankees may get Nolan Arenado in a major trade
Although the St. Louis Cardinals haven’t yet made a call—whether to keep Nolan Arenado or let him go—the New York Yankees are in search of an infielder. After losing their infielder Gleyber Torres, getting Arenado may just fill in the gap. Sounds fair? Well, given that the Yankees’ third baseman, DJ LeMahieu, has also been out due to injury, Arenado may definitely be a major bet for the Yankees. But that’s not all!
While LeMahieu’s absence gives some light of hope for the Yankees to bet on Arenado, he also needs to waive off his no-trade clause first to sign with the Bronx Bombers. No doubt that AArenado’s.719OPS is much better than LeMahieu’s.527—and numbers can’t lie, can they? Due to their budgetary issues, the Yankees are already anticipating a trade of their pitcher, Marcus Stroman. However, if they trade Stroman, it would create a great opportunity for them to acquire Arenado, which can bolster their payroll and prevent any revenue-sharing problems.
So, do you think the Yankees can get Arenado? What might be the reason behind Arenado’s 3-hour journey? Let us know in the comment section below.
The post Nolan Arenado Clears the Air On His 3 Hour Travel for a Rumored Audition for the Yankees appeared first on EssentiallySports.
