Yankees predicted to pull off blockbuster trade for Cardinals 8-time All-Star

The St. Louis Cardinals may be in full tear-down mode, and the New York Yankees could be one of the beneficiaries.

After a disappointing 83-win season, the Cardinals are ill-prepared to contend for a championship in 2025. The starting rotation was full of aging free agents, while most of the lineup either underperformed a little bit or a staggering amount last season.

Because they don't expect to contend next season, the Cardinals are likely to look to offload some payroll, which could open the door to a blockbuster trade. The Yankees may be the perfect partner to make that trade happen.

Third baseman Nolan Arenado, who has three years remaining on the $260 million contract he originally signed with the Colorado Rockies, could be an expensive name the Cardinals look to move. And the Yankees have holes all over their infield, so the future Hall of Famer is a natural fit.

Recently, Zach Pressnell of FanSided recently predicted that the Yankees would acquire Arenado, shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base to create a "dream lineup."

"The current hole in New York's roster is at second base with Torres heading into free agency. But (Chisholm) can move to second base to fill that hole if the Yankees pursue a third baseman. In this dream scenario, that's what they do," Pressnell said.

"New York could swing a trade to acquire St. Louis Cardinals star third baseman Nolan Arenado. Arenado is expected to be on the trade block this offseason as the Cardinals look to rebuild their roster."

Arenado had a down year in 2024, which raised some concerns about his overall decline. He had just a .719 OPS and 101 OPS+,  his lowest full-season totals since his rookie year in 2013. At age 33, it's possible Arenado may not have an All-Star ceiling anymore.

Then again, an eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover can provide value on many fronts for a team with World Series aspirations like the Yankees. If New York comes calling, St. Louis should at least be interested to hear what kind of return might be on the table for Arenado.

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