MLB Rumors: Yankees’ Paul Goldschmidt interest could have Nolan Arenado effect

MLB Rumors: Yankees’ Paul Goldschmidt interest could have Nolan Arenado effect.

From 2021 to 2024, the St. Louis Cardinals enjoyed the luxury of having two elite corner infielders, Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, anchoring their lineup. Now, the New York Yankees are reportedly ramping up efforts to acquire Goldschmidt, the veteran first baseman—and there’s growing speculation that Arenado could join him in the move to the Bronx.

Sources indicate that Paul Goldschmidt’s possible move to New York could play a pivotal role in convincing his former teammate, Nolan Arenado, to waive his no-trade clause and join the Yankees.

 

Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, has been a key target for New York, which reportedly approached the Cardinals earlier in the offseason regarding a trade. However, those discussions stalled as St. Louis was unwilling to take on the contract of veteran pitcher Marcus Stroman.

Acquiring both Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, who have been teammates in St. Louis for the past four seasons, would enable the Yankees to reconfigure their infield. Jazz Chisholm Jr. could transition from third base to second base, joining Anthony Volpe at shortstop. This adjustment would create a more cohesive infield for the reigning 2024 American League champions.

Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado playing together for the Cardinals

 

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (46) celebrate after the Cardinals defeated the Chicago White Sox at Busch Stadium.

In December 2018, John Mozeliak orchestrated a trade to acquire Goldschmidt, sending pitcher Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly, and infielder Andy Young to the Arizona Diamondbacks. At the time, Goldschmidt was in the final year of his contract. To secure his long-term services, St. Louis extended him with a five-year, $130 million deal, keeping him with the team through the 2024 season.

 

 

Mozeliak acquired Arenado from the Colorado Rockies, securing $51 million alongside him, in exchange for pitchers Austin Gomber, Tony Locey, Jake Sommers, and infielders Mateo Gil and Elehuris Montero. Although Arenado has faced some difficulties in the past two seasons, the deal stands out as a major triumph for the Cardinals.

In their four seasons as teammates with the Cardinals, Goldschmidt and Arenado combined for an impressive collection of honors: three Gold Gloves, two Silver Sluggers, four All-Star selections, and top-three finishes in the 2022 NL MVP race, with Goldschmidt taking home the award. These achievements underscore the significant impact they made in St. Louis over a relatively brief span.

 

Where these two future Hall of Famers fall short is in the Cardinals’ team success during their tenure. Since 2021, St. Louis has claimed just one division title and made the playoffs in only two of four seasons with Arenado and Goldschmidt leading the roster. The team’s overall record of 337-311 over that span, translating to a .520 winning percentage, reflects solid but unremarkable performance.

The Cardinals’ postseason performance with Arenado and Goldschmidt on the roster has been nothing short of disappointing. The team was swept in the Wild Card series in both 2021 and 2022, with the two stars combining for a dismal 2-for-22 at the plate. They failed to record a single extra-base hit, drew just two walks, and struck out seven times across those games. Their playoff struggles played a significant role in the Cardinals’ inability to advance beyond the Wild Card round in either year.