Cardinals third baseman could be on the move at the deadline

The St. Louis Cardinals will be very active at this month’s trade deadline, and could see the departure of some of the team’s star talent.

At 50-46, and just a few games out of the National League playoff picture, the Cardinals will have a lot of evaluating to do to determine which direction they take at the deadline. 

One player that has been involved in plenty of trade rumors for the Cardinals is third baseman Nolan Arenado. With two years of team control beyond this season, and with Arenado underwhelming at the plate, it could make sense for the Cardinals to move on.

Sports Illustrated’s Karl Rasmussen has linked Arenado to the New York Yankees, citing New York’s need for third base help.

“Nolan Arenado may not be the slugger he was during his prime with the Colorado Rockies, but he's still a gifted defensive third baseman who can still flash some pop from time to time,” Rasmussen said. “Areando has 10 home runs and 41 RBIs in 81 games for the Cardinals this season.”

“He's touching career lows across his entire slash line, but his .694 OPS is only just below the league average mark of .715. An Arenado trade was discussed during the offseason but never came to fruition. Considering the Yankees' defensive woes, having Arenado's glove in the infield would be a worthy acquisition,” he added.

The Yankees have been played Jazz Chisholm Jr. out of position at third base, and struggled to find consistency outside of him at the position. Arenado would provide them with elite defense and possible upside with the bat, which is what he has given the Cardinals.