Yankees find Arenado ‘not fit,’ moving away from Bregman

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Following the defection of Juan Soto to the Mets, the New York Yankees are focusing their attention on reshaping the infield. While the St. Louis Cardinals have made star third baseman Nolan Arenado available, reports suggest the Yankees are not considering him a viable fit for the 2025 season. According to Jack Curry of the YES Network, they view Arenado’s declining performance and hefty contract as significant deterrents.

“In talking to Yankee officials about Arenado, the answer that I was given was they have a lot of respect for the player has been and the player he still is,” the insider said. “But now, at this moment, not a fit. It is not somebody they are out there seeking. I think at that price tag and at who he was last year, the Yankees absolutely believe there are better options.”

Arenado’s recent decline is a concern

Nolan Arenado, an eight-time All-Star, and 10-time Gold Glove winner, experienced a down year in 2024 by his high standards. He hit just 16 home runs, marking his lowest total since his rookie season in 2013. His .719 OPS and 71 RBIs also represented career lows over a full season since 2014. Despite his defensive excellence, Arenado’s diminished offensive production, combined with the $74 million he’s owed over the next three years, has cooled the Yankees’ interest.

Additionally, Arenado holds a full no-trade clause, giving him control over any potential destination. His agent, Joel Wolfe, indicated that the third baseman is willing to switch positions to facilitate a trade, but that flexibility has not swayed the Yankees.

Yankees eye other targets to fill infield gaps

With Arenado seemingly off the table, the Yankees appear focused on alternatives, including free-agent first baseman Christian Walker. Walker, renowned for his power and defensive prowess, has emerged as a top target. Since 2021, he has crushed 105 home runs while establishing himself as one of the best defensive first basemen in the game, an asset the Yankees sorely need.

The Yankees are also rumored to have interest in Alex Bregman, who is entering free agency after a successful run with the Houston Astros. While a reunion with Houston seems likely, Bregman’s power, consistency, and defensive capabilities make him an attractive option for New York. But the failures of Josh Donaldson and DJ LeMahieu deals have made the Yankees wary of signing Bergman to a multi-year deal.

The team may avoid signing Alex Bregman due to concerns about fit, cost, and roster priorities. While Bregman is undeniably talented, the Yankees already have infield depth with players like Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera, making his addition redundant. Financially, committing to a player like Bregman could limit the team’s flexibility to address more pressing needs, such as pitching depth or outfield upgrades. Additionally, Bregman’s connection to the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal may not sit well with Yankees fans, potentially creating unnecessary locker room and fanbase tension. Instead, the team should focus on filling gaps that align with their long-term strategy.

Given the Yankees’ recent history with lengthy contracts for aging players, they are reportedly cautious about committing to multi-year deals for players showing signs of decline. This strategy likely played a role in their hesitancy toward Arenado and their measured interest in Bregman.

Internally, the Yankees have explored moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base, where he excels defensively, leaving third base open for reinforcement. They previously missed out on Willy Adames, who signed a seven-year, $182 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, narrowing their options for the hot corner.

As the offseason unfolds, the New York front office remains active, seeking the right mix of offensive power and defensive reliability. With Christian Walker and Alex Bregman still on the market, and potential trade opportunities yet to materialize, the Yankees have options—though time is of the essence if they hope to enter 2025 as serious contenders.

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