WE'RE GONNA END UP WITH NOLAN ARENADO, AREN'T WE?

Tuesday morning brings yet another round of buzz surrounding a potential Marcus Stroman–Nolan Arenado trade. Whether this is legitimate movement or just another dose of "clickbait fever" is anyone’s guess. One thing’s certain—it’s not disappearing anytime soon.

Yankees insider Meredith Marakovits recently appeared on MLB Network to discuss the team’s outlook for 2025. She commended general manager Brian Cashman for his adaptability, saying, “He did a great job shifting gears and bringing in players who add balance to the roster.”

Addressing the Yankees’ third base situation, Marakovits pointed out the current lack of depth: “As of now, it seems like DJ LeMahieu or Oswaldo Cabrera will be in the mix. But I get the feeling Brian Cashman isn’t done just yet.”

That suspicion aligns with growing speculation about a trade involving Stroman and Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. With Arenado’s former teammate, Paul Goldschmidt, already in New York, the Yankees could have an advantage in negotiations. Prospects such as Will Warren, Chase Hampton, and Roderick Arias might be used as trade assets, particularly since Arenado’s value has taken a hit amid St. Louis’ shifting plans.

Hampton and Warren were previously linked to trade discussions for Carlos Correa, though that chatter has since faded. Yet the Arenado rumors persist, indicating this could turn into a waiting game. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that Brian Cashman thrives in the unexpected. The moment he utters “the marketplace” on the YES Network, chaos is inevitable. Which brings us, once again, back to—deep sigh—Nolan Arenado. The right mix of Stroman and a Warren or Hampton and yea, this could be a deal. My God.

Cashman’s latest comments? A classic bit of ambiguity:

“I don’t know how it’s going to play out... I do think we can have one of these candidates emerge or multiple guys emerge into a platoon situation at worst, or a solo shot at best. If not, there’s always the marketplace to play around with as we move forward, too.”

Translation? The Yankees still have their eyes on the veteran, Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, Nolan Arenado. That's my take anyway.

Yup... here we are again.