The New York Yankees have been aggressive in the market after losing Juan Soto to the New York Mets. They could land a pair of superstars as they continue to try and upgrade their roster.
MLB.com's John Denton, Mark Feinsand and Bryan Hoch revealed that the Yankees could win the trade sweepstakes for Nolan Arenado by first signing Paul Goldschmidt.
"Arenado would have to approve any trade between St. Louis and New York, and he would be far more likely to do so with Goldschmidt signed to play for the Yankees, a source said," wrote the MLB.com staff. "Whether the Yankees view Goldschmidt as more than an answer at first base -- namely, an additional piece to help acquire Arenado -- is unclear."
The Yankees are looking for a solution at first base. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale the Yankees are focused on Goldschmidt after losing Christian Walker to the Houston Astros. Goldschmidt is a seven-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, four-time Gold Glover and a National League Most Valuable Player Award winner. He had a .716 OPS last season but closed the year out strong. He had a .920 OPS in his last 30 games.
Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Colorado Rockies before he was traded to the Cardinals. He has a no-trade clause and would have to approve any deal. He already turned down a deal with the Astros. The belief is that he is waiting for the Los Angeles Dodgers to tell him they are not interested before he accepts a trade elsewhere.
Arenado could take over in the hot corner, allowing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to play at second base. An infield of Arenado and Goldschmidt at the corners would be a massive upgrade from 2024. The two have spent the last four seasons together with the Cardinals.