Yankees Predicted to Make Nolan Arenado Trade Decision After Infield Injury

Even before the season started, the New York Yankees had one major item on their roster to-do list. Now could be the time to check it off.

After undergoing a dramatic roster overhaul following the exodus of Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres, Anthony Rizzo and Alex Verdugo, the Yankees have had a clear need for a righty hitter.

“Ever since spring training, the Yankees’ top trade priority has been a right-handed bat,” according to SNY’s Andy Martino. “The idea is to give (manager Aaron) Boone a better option than Pablo Reyes and Oswald Peraza against tough lefty relievers.”

That need — along with a clear gap at third base following the injury to DJ LeMahieu and shift to second base for Jazz Chisholm Jr. — has driven trade speculation around St. Louis Cardinals veteran Nolan Arenado. However, reporting on the team’s lack of interest in an Arenado trade, Martino added that “the next time the Yankees are interested will be the first time.”

However, that has been predicted to change after a harsh injury to Chisholm, who hit the injured list with an oblique issue.

“This could open New York’s eyes to a massive trade for Arenado,” Zach Pressnell wrote for On SI. “The Cardinals likely wouldn’t ask for too much prospect capital in return, as long as they’re clearing most of Arenado’s massive contract off their payroll.”

The Yankees might also be concerned with a shoulder injury to shortstop Anthony Volpe. As they look to overcome a pair of infielder ailments, changing their tune on Arenado could be next.

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