BREAKING: Yankees Land 2-Stars Worth $335 Million in Lucrative Trade Pitch With Cardinals Top Players
The New York Yankees have several needs, some longstanding and others emerging after Gerrit Cole’s injury. While adding another starting pitcher would be the ideal move for a team with World Series aspirations, they also need an infielder.
The St. Louis Cardinals could potentially address both needs. They have Sonny Gray and Nolan Arenado, though their combined $335 million in contracts presents a significant financial hurdle for New York.
Zach Pressnell of FanSided proposed a trade scenario where the Yankees acquire both players. He acknowledged the financial challenges but suggested the move could work if New York is willing to absorb the salary.
“The Yankees have shown interest in Nolan Arenado, but two major obstacles stand in the way: GM Brian Cashman’s reluctance to take on much of his contract and Arenado’s reported unwillingness to waive his no-trade clause for New York.
“Reuniting with Sonny Gray could also be an option as a temporary replacement for Cole. Gray has been outstanding in recent seasons and would bring stability to a rotation filled with uncertainty. But what would a blockbuster deal for both players look like?
“While it would significantly impact the Yankees’ payroll, it could allow them to retain most of their top prospects, likely parting with only a few lower-level players,” Pressnell explained.
Arenado Could Be the Issue
At this stage in his career, Nolan Arenado has noticeable flaws, and the Yankees don’t want to trade for a player who may be past his prime. However, their options at third base are limited, leaving Arenado as one of the few viable targets. Another complication is his no-trade clause, as noted by ESPN’s Jorge Castillo.
“The Cardinals would likely have to cover some of Arenado’s salary to make a trade work. A deal is expected to happen at some point in 2025 — in fact, the Cardinals had an agreement with the Houston Astros last December, but Arenado, who holds a full no-trade clause, vetoed it.
“Perhaps the Yankees could be an option, especially after they signed his close friend and former Cardinals teammate Paul Goldschmidt in December. For now, though, New York seems content with its current roster,” Castillo wrote.
Arenado’s no-trade clause remains a major hurdle, as he ultimately controls where he ends up.
Is Gray Worth Trading For?
Since leaving the Yankees, Sonny Gray has transformed into a much different pitcher. While he may not be on Gerrit Cole’s level, finding a replacement of Cole’s caliber is nearly impossible.
Gray remains an ace-caliber arm, and if he’s open to returning to New York despite his previous struggles there, the move could make sense.
However, his first stint with the Yankees was far from successful, which raises legitimate concerns about how a reunion would play out.