The New York Yankees roster has been decimated by injuries early in spring training. With All-Star hitter Giancarlo Stanton sidelined indefinitely and infielder DJ LeMahieu sidelined multiple weeks, it’s reignited talk about a potential Nolan Arenado trade.
The New York Yankees roster has been decimated by injuries early in spring training. With All-Star hitter Giancarlo Stanton sidelined indefinitely and infielder DJ LeMahieu sidelined multiple weeks, it’s reignited talk about a potential Nolan Arenado trade.
Nolan Arenado stats (ESPN): .272/.325/.394, .719 OPS, 16 home runs, 71 RBI, 157 hits in 578 ABs
However, Arenado reportedly used his no-trade clause multiple times, including to block a deal to the Houston Astros. The Gold Glove winner was adamant about the teams he was willing to play for – Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies – otherwise he would prevent any deal.
Before injuries dealt a sizable blow to the Yankees lineup and depth, the club had no interest in Arenado because they believed he was in a noticeable decline and on a contract that is a liability. Some wondered if injuries to LeMahieu and Stanton would change that.
According to Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com, the Yankees front office has still “not been aggressive pursuers” of an Arenado trade even with the mounting injuries.
Instead, New York is seemingly focused on external options that could fill the void at third base and provide additional depth to the lineup. For the time being, Oswaldo Cabrera will continue to hold down the hot corner. There’s also hope that one of the Yankees top prospects – outfielder Spencer Jones – can carry over the momentum from a hot start in spring training into making his MLB debut later this year. At least for now, New York won’t be acquiring outside help even with Stanton and LeMahieu sidelined.