Insider tips Yankees fell through convincing the Cards with trade for star $260 million..

The New York Yankees recently explored a potential trade for St. Louis Cardinals star third baseman Nolan Arenado, who has a remaining $260 million contract. This move came as part of the Yankees’ efforts to strengthen their infield and improve their playoff chances in 2025. However, negotiations reportedly fell through due to multiple factors, including differences in perceived player value and the Yankees’ focus on retaining outfielder Juan Soto, who is entering free agency

Nolan Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glove winner and former Silver Slugger, would have provided the Yankees with a significant upgrade at third base. The Cardinals, on the other hand, were looking for young pitching prospects to rebuild after missing the playoffs in 2024. A proposed package included Yankees pitching prospects Will Warren and Cade Smith, ranked among the team’s top 30 prospects. However, the Yankees appeared reluctant to part with key assets while also prioritizing other offseason targets

Despite his accolades, Arenado’s performance in 2024 raised concerns, as he hit only 16 home runs—the lowest in a full season since his rookie year—paired with a .719 OPS. These factors, combined with his large contract, made the Yankees cautious about committing to the deal without additional financial considerations from the Cardinals

This trade exploration highlights the Yankees’ broader challenges in the offseason. Their desire to rebuild their roster while remaining financially flexible has led them to balance high-profile acquisitions with long-term strategic goals. Arenado, while a strong addition, wasn’t deemed the perfect fit for their immediate needs