Yankees, Cardinals match up well for multi-player midseason swap

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Driven by mutual needs, the Yankees and the Cardinals are potentially heading toward a multi-player trade deal this summer.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses, the New York Yankees find themselves in need of an aggressive push to solidify their rotation and infield for a deep postseason run. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals are facing the familiar crossroads. With a disappointing 10-15 start to the season, the Cardinals, who were not projected to be contenders, now find themselves contemplating a mid-season reset. Their struggles have reignited trade talks, and one potential blockbuster scenario could see Nolan Arenado and Erick Fedde heading to the Bronx, with the Yankees parting ways with promising young talents.

Cardinals’ slipping season bolsters trade potential

The Cardinals’ front office entered 2025 hoping to reset the team, despite low expectations from analysts. However, with nearly a month of poor performance and a subpar standing in the NL Central, the pressure is mounting. While the team refrained from making major moves during the offseason, the trade deadline could become a pivotal moment for a reset.

Their most valuable assets? Veterans like Nolan Arenado, who is under contract through 2027, and Erick Fedde, a mid-rotation starter acquired last season in a controversial three-team trade. If the Cardinals continue to slide, these players could be on the move.

The proposed trade scenario

• Yankees Receive: Nolan Arenado (3B), Erick Fedde (RHP)
• Cardinals Receive: Oswaldo Peraza (INF), Ben Hess (RHP), Roderick Arias (SS)

Yankees eyeing immediate trade impact

For the Yankees, who have started the season strong but face concerns at third base and in the rotation, this trade could be the key to unlocking their full potential.

Arenado’s fit in the Bronx

The Yankees have struggled to find stability at third base. Despite Arenado’s offensive numbers dipping, his defensive prowess remains elite. At 34, Arenado brings postseason experience, leadership, and a reliable glove. His ability to contribute in high-pressure situations could be invaluable for a Yankees team eyeing a World Series berth.

Fedde’s rotation boost

The Yankees’ rotation has been hit hard with injuries, most notably to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil. While Marcus Stroman and Carlos Rodon provide strength, the back end of the rotation remains a question mark. Fedde, currently holding a 3.33 ERA through five starts with St. Louis, is a dependable option. Known for his durability, he could stabilize the rotation and provide quality innings.

Cardinals aiming for a youth-anchored rebuild

From the Cardinals’ perspective, moving Arenado and Fedde allows them to free up payroll and acquire promising young talent as part of a retooling strategy.

Shedding Arenado’s contract

Arenado is owed approximately $90 million through 2027. With the Cardinals’ window for contention closing, parting ways with such a large contract offers financial flexibility. It also opens the door for younger players to step in and develop.

Immediate infield help and prospect upside

Oswaldo Peraza provides MLB-ready defense and could step into the infield right away. Though his offensive output has been limited, his glove and versatility make him an asset, especially when injury to Brendan Donovan threatens to unravel the Cardinals.

Roderick Arias brings high upside. One of the Yankees’ top international signings, Arias is seen as a potential power-hitting shortstop. While still developing, he could become a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ future infield.

Ben Hess, though recovering from injury, has a promising profile as a mid-rotation starter. The Cardinals, known for their ability to develop pitching, could mold Hess into a long-term piece.

Financial considerations

The Yankees would likely take on the majority of Arenado’s salary, though negotiations could see the Cardinals covering a portion. Fedde’s deal, more modest at around $7-8 million annually through 2026, is manageable for New York’s payroll.

Risk factors on both sides

For the Yankees, taking on Arenado’s contract and betting on his bat rebounding in the AL East poses a risk. Additionally, giving up a high-upside prospect like Arias could hurt their long-term pipeline.

For the Cardinals, trading a fan favorite like Arenado could lead to backlash, especially if Peraza and Arias don’t develop into stars. There’s also the matter of Fedde, who, despite being steady, may not bring in significant value as a rental player.

Interestingly, the Yankees were linked to Arenado during the offseason but chose not to pursue a deal. Concerns about his declining power numbers and the significant financial commitment tied to his contract—worth roughly $90 million through 2027—led the front office to hesitate. They prioritized financial flexibility and sought younger, more dynamic options at third base, hoping internal candidates would emerge. However, as the season has unfolded, ongoing struggles at the hot corner and Arenado’s consistent glove have reportedly reignited interest in the former All-Star.

Fedde’s expiring role

Fedde’s current 1-2 record and 3.33 ERA suggest he still has plenty to offer. St. Louis acquired him in a deal that cost them last year’s NLCS MVP Tommy Edman. But his role in the team’s future is uncertain. If they fall further out of contention, moving him to a contender like the Yankees makes strategic sense.

The Yankees, facing rotation gaps, could greatly benefit from Fedde’s reliability as they navigate through injuries and the rigors of the AL East.

A deal likely as needs align

As July 31 approaches, all eyes will be on how the Cardinals handle their faltering season. Should their struggles continue, becoming sellers could reshape both their future and the Yankees’ title hopes.

This potential deal could mark a pivotal moment for both franchises. The Yankees, driven by a desire to win now, would gain a Gold Glove third baseman and a solid arm to reinforce their rotation. Meanwhile, the Cardinals would embrace a youth movement, shedding salary and adding controllable talent. The outcome will depend heavily on whether Arenado can still anchor a championship run and if the young prospects can deliver in St. Louis.

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