EVEN THE DIAMONDBACKS ARE MAKING BIGGER MOVES THAN THE YANKEES!

I never thought I would live in a world where the Diamondbacks make splashier moves than the Yankees. Welcome to the new world I guess. It's like I stepped into the Twilight Zone.

If you didn't know....I no longer live in New York. Now I live in Arizona where the sports world is bleak. We no longer have a hockey team (they sucked anyways), the Suns choke every year, and the Cardinals are just unwatchable and Kyler Murray is a joke. Hell, ASU football has more of a following. The Diamondbacks are the pride and joy of this state....and historically speaking that is pretty sad.

But as of yesterday, Diamondback fans are celebrating like it is 2001 all over again. The Diamondbacks traded for Nolan Arenado in exchange for minor leaguer Jack Martinez and cash. The Cardinals are in the middle of a major rebuild but three years ago a salary dump moving Arenado was a fantasy wish for other teams. He was a National League MVP finalist with elite defense. His offense has slipped steadily since then and the Cardinals finally moved him. Arenado is due $42 million over two years but the Rockies are on the hook for $5MM of that sum. Arizona is on the hook for $5 million this season and $6 million next year making it "easier" for the Cardinals to eat the rest of the money owed.

With that, Diamondbacks fans are feeling good about themselves. I heard about it all day at work, the jabs just kept coming. 

"Hey where is your GM? It's Brian Cashman, right? He must be at school learning how to become a General Manager."

"Did you guys sell your team? It's like the Yankees don't exist anymore! It's all about the Blue Jays now."

"We have a bigger budget than the Yankees do. You guys go bankrupt or something?"

"Watch Cody Bellinger is gonna be a DODGER again and then you will be crying."

"Hey I bet we can teach Arenado to play a better shortstop than Anthony Volpe!"

The sad part is I think they COULD teach Arenado to be a better shortstop than Volpe. That bar isn't set very high. Arenado may not be what he once was but he's no worse than the Yankees dumpster dive specials they have acquired. Cashman is clipping coupons and playing chicken with Scott Boras and Cody. That's our winter, and soon to be a laughable season when the Yankees put a weak lineup on the field and the Blue Jays walk all over the Yankees again.

It's worth mentioning that Dbacks fans are also laughing about adding Jonathan Loaisiga. The former Yankee turned Dback on a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training doesn't hurt my feelings but...whatever helps them sleep at night I guess. They can believe I am sad about that along with the rest of Yankeeland. Do we need relievers? Sure we do. Do we need Loaisiga? Not exactly.....but Dbacks fans don't (and can't) understand that.

It's a pretty dark day when the lowly Diamondbacks are making more moves then the Yankees. It's quite the fall from grace. The Yankee identity that once was....is no more unless the Yankees pull their heads out of their asses and prioritize building a REAL roster that can win again.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

I FEEL LIKE MICHAEL KAY IS LATE TO THE GAME ON THIS ONE

I have to be honest—I’m completely over the Nolan Arenado talk. As a Yankees fan, I think trading for him would be a mistake, especially now. He’s aging, and in just a few years, he won’t be the same player. We don’t need him. Now, Michael Kay is suggesting the Yankees should pursue him.

Look, I’m all for upgrading at third base, especially with DJ LeMahieu sidelined and Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera battling it out over there. But here me out, Peraza is a natural shortstop and I do not think he will have difficulty adjusting to 3rd, and Cabrera can handle multiple positions. So why bring in Arenado, who’s on a massive contract? And why give up Marcus Stroman now, when the Yankees are already dealing with injuries to Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt? It just doesn’t make sense at this point in the season.

I get it—Arenado is a great player. He’d probably have some big moments in the Bronx. But seriously, do we really need him? Kay made his case on The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, saying:

“I’ve been saying this since the beginning of spring training, it’s such a natural thing to bring Arenado over…And I’ve heard that the Yankees are not that high on him, but when you’re going to go into the season with a combination of Oswaldo and Peraza, I’m not sure you could feel that great about it. I think they could do the job defensively. And I keep hearing about the drop-off that Arenado has. He might have a drop-off, but he’s still not a terrible player… I think if the Yankees could get the Cardinals to take Marcus Stroman, I would make that deal.”

If this were December, sure—I’d consider it. But now? No chance in my opinion. Yes, Arenado has 10 Gold Gloves, five Silver Sluggers, and is coming off a meh 2024 season where he hit .272. The real issue? He’s still owed $52 million over the next three years and is already 33. Meanwhile, the Yankees have two young, homegrown guys competing for the job, and the lineup is already strong—even without Giancarlo Stanton.

Can we at least see how the season starts before making a move for an aging veteran? I respect Kay’s opinion, but it’s March 7, not December 10. If the Yankees truly wanted Arenado, they would have made the deal months ago. There’s a reason they haven’t—at least not yet. 

Stay tuned.

IF THE YANKS DON'T TRADE FOR A 3RD BASEMAN, THEY'LL BE FINE

Ah yes, here we go again. Another day, another baseless rumor linking Nolan Arenado to the Yankees. You’d think this would have died down by now, but somehow, someway, we keep hearing whispers about it—except, well, there’s no actual chatter. The only place really pushing this narrative seems to be Fansided. And let’s be honest, they’re just throwing stuff at the wall for clicks at this point in my opinion.

This spring, we were told that third base was DJ LeMahieu’s to lose. Well, he lost it. Now, instead of looking at the most logical option in my opinion, Oswald Peraza—a natural shortstop who makes total sense at third... reports are the Yankees seem to be favoring Oswaldo Cabrera. Look, Cabrera’s a great utility guy, but Peraza fits better at third and he's solid on that side of the infield. That’s just my opinion, but hey, what do I know?

So then what happened next was Fansided suggested that Aaron Boone said something about a potential trade for a third baseman before Opening Day. Except—spoiler alert—he didn’t. Anyone who’s paid attention to Boone knows that when he talks, it’s just noise. He never actually says anything meaningful. But that didn’t stop Fansided from twisting his words into some grand theory about a looming trade.

Their big takeaway? Boone’s comment:

“We’ll see if something emerges from camp or, you know, things happen in and around baseball ... moves happen late, so, we’ll see.”

And? What exactly are we supposed to glean from that? Is this really a sign that the Yankees are revisiting a trade for Arenado? Doubtful. If it was going to happen, it would’ve happened already. Plus, let’s be real—he’s not getting any younger.

If we’re throwing names around, what about Alec Bohm from the Phillies? We talked about that back in November. Read A BOLD TRADE MOVE WITH THE PHILLIES , BUT LEAVE THE MARTIAN OUT OF IT! and guess what? Nothing happened. And nothing will.

Then yesterday, Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa brought up Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pirates—an idea that originally came from Michael Kay. (Go check out REAL TALK! WE HAVE A NEW NAME TO REPLACE DJ LEMAHIEU.) Will that happen? God knows at this point.

Look, if the Yankees don’t fill third base externally, they’ll be fine. The obsession with plugging every position with an All-Star is exhausting. This has been the narrative all offseason, and at some point, people just need to take a breath.

Take this stuff day by day, and my advice? Don't listen to Aaron Boone.

MAYBE IT'S GOOD THAT STROMAN'S STICKING AROUND...

Imagine this: The Yankees, in a wild bid to shake things up, trade Marcus Stroman for a banged-up Nolan Arenado. Then, right on cue, Luis Gil—projected to be a linchpin in the rotation—goes down with an injury. And then, we don't have Stroman to fall back on.  In short, maybe we're in a better place today knowing Stroman is still a Yankee.

So, what happened to Luis Gil? Well, he was cruising through a bullpen session when he felt a bit of tightness in his right shoulder. Now, he's off for an MRI, and Yankees fans everywhere are holding their breath.

This is a tough break, not just for the team but for Gil himself. After have a great last season, he was penciled in as a potential top-three starter in the rotation. His electric stuff and fearless mound presence was going to be great. The Yankees were counting on him, and frankly, he deserved another great year. Now, all we can do is hope for the best and wish him a speedy recovery.

Now, with Gil possibly sidelined, the Yankees' pitching depth is starting to look a little thin. Clarke Schmidt, another rotation hopeful, has also been slowed by back discomfort. It’s like the rotation plans were drawn up on a whiteboard, and someone keeps hitting the eraser.

Enter Marcus Stroman.

Stroman came into spring training as something of an odd man out. The Yankees’ rotation seemed set, and his role was unclear. But in baseball, as in life, things can change in a hurry. Now, with the Yankees facing a potential gap in their rotation, Stroman could find himself thrust into a starter role, I mean, ask him... he IS s starter after all.  He’s been vocal about it, and now he might just get his wish. 

But could the Mets come calling? They are also dealing with their own injury headaches. Could they make a call to the Yankees and inquire about Stroman? Sure, it feels like a long shot, but stranger things have happened. I mean, if Joey Gallo can be an All-Star again, anything is possible.

However, with the Yankees' own rotation looking like a game of Jenga right now, it’s hard to imagine them letting Stroman go. They need him now more than ever.

For now, all eyes are on Gil’s MRI results. Here’s hoping the kids gets good news. He’s too important to this team and too talented to catch another bad break.

Stay tuned—there’s never a dull moment in the Bronx.

ARENADO DIDN'T SEE YANKEE GAME AS A "SHOWCASE" & NEITHER DID ANYONE ELSE

If Wednesday’s spring training game against the Yankees was supposed to be a “showcase” for Nolan Arenado, then let’s just say the curtains never really opened. Arenado, who has been swirling in trade rumors with the Bronx Bombers all offseason, brushed off the idea that his performance was meant to impress anyone in pinstripes.

“I didn’t come here for that,” Arenado told reporters, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “Day 3 of spring training. That wouldn’t be a good day to showcase myself. I’m not ready for that.”

And boy, did his performance back him up. Arenado went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, putting on a showcase only if you’re scouting for guys who can confidently walk back to the dugout. If this was supposed to dazzle the Yankees, well, consider them undazzled.

Arenado’s coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, and while he’s still got three years and $74 million left on his contract, the Cardinals have long been rumored to be willing to eat some of that money to move him. Of course, Arenado also has the right to void any trade, so if this was truly a showcase, maybe it was more of a performance art piece about free will.

And speaking of trade rumors, can we talk about the buzz surrounding a potential Arenado-for-Marcus Stroman swap? I mean, sure, why not? Let’s throw in a pet llama and season tickets to a bag of fresh grapefruit while we’re at it. Arenado couldn’t showcase his swing, and now he’s supposedly being measured against a pitcher whose entire job is to make hitters look like they’re showcasing nothing? This rumor mill needs a new filter.

At this point, it’s spring training. Everything is possible, nothing is real, and if we’re lucky, maybe the next rumor will be Arenado for a time machine and a winning Powerball ticket.

STANTON, ELBOWS & TRADE TALK

Well, well, well—just when you thought the Yankees’ spring training couldn’t get any weirder, we have the continued elbow saga of Giancarlo Stanton. Naturally, Yankees manager Aaron Boone handled it with his trademark mix of smoke, mirrors, and word salad, saying Stanton left for “personal matters.” Whatever that means.

Now, instead of focusing on actual baseball, we’re diving headfirst into trade rumor season... again. The Yankees apparently need a new bat to cover for Stanton, and who better to ignite that fire than resident baseball hot-take artist, Jim Duquette?

The Yankees are juggling three problems: a hole at third base, concern over Stanton’s elbow, and an increasingly grumpy Marcus Stroman. During an SNY-TV segment on Wednesday, Duquette suggested the Yankees set their sights on St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado:

"I like that as an option for the Yankees," Duquette said. "He's already said he's willing to go to the Yankees. You could do a swap between Arenado and Stroman. ... From the Yankees' side of things, they need a third baseman more than they need the sixth starter in Stroman. Plus, we know Stroman won't be happy in that position. ... I think this is one to keep an eye on later in the spring."

Sure, Jim. Let’s just trade a starting pitcher for a platinum-gloved third baseman like we’re swapping baseball cards at recess. Never mind that we’ve been talking about a potential Arenado-Stroman deal since December, and nothing has changed—except for Stanton’s sudden exit.

But let’s be real: this doesn’t look like a long-term issue for Stanton. I might be joking here, but I’m starting to wonder if he’s being a bit soft. As a pro athlete who treats his body like a temple, is his elbow pain really that bad? Color me skeptical.

And as much as I love a good blockbuster trade, bringing in Arenado feels like buying a new car because your old one has a flat tire. Why commit to a hefty long-term contract just to cover a short-term problem?

What do you think? Is Duquette onto something, or are the Yankees better off keeping their chips off the table for now?

NO ONE SEEMS TO WANT NOLAN ARENADO, YA'LL

And in fairness, he hasn't exactly been easy to deal with when it comes to his no-trade clause.

When it comes to Nolan Arenado, here’s the reality: He was once an exceptional hitter and a strong fielder, but at 33 years old, his best days might be behind him. That's my opinion. This might explain why the New York Yankees couldn’t—or wouldn’t—finalize a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. Whether it was due to the Cardinals’ high asking price or the Yankees’ unwillingness to part with key prospects, the result was the same: lots of rumors and no deal.

But the Yankees aren’t the only team seemingly hesitant about Arenado. A mix of factors could be at play here—his hefty contract, his age, and even his no-trade clause. The Cardinals have reportedly been shopping Arenado, yet he blocked a potential trade to the Houston Astros earlier this offseason, utilizing his no-trade rights to remain in St. Louis.

With Spring Training in full swing, Arenado is still a Cardinal, despite the team’s apparent interest in moving him. While he has provided a list of preferred destinations—including the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Astros—he's already shut down one opportunity with Houston. His reluctance to expand that list only complicates matters further.

It’s a messy situation. There's no clear indication that the Yankees will make another push for Arenado this season. While Paul Goldschmidt, now a Yankee, has expressed interest in bringing Arenado to the Bronx, the hurdles remain significant. Did the Yankees float Marcus Stroman in trade talks, only to back off when the Cardinals hesitated? It all comes down to balancing Arenado’s age, Stroman’s inconsistent performance, the no-trade clause, and the potential Goldschmidt-Arenado reunion.

With just over a month before Opening Day, Arenado is still in St. Louis. Could the Cardinals absorb enough of his contract to make a trade worthwhile for the Yankees? According to Goldschmidt, they should at least consider it.

"It doesn’t matter if the team’s winning and he’s got four hits. He wants to get that fifth hit," Goldschmidt told The Athletic. "He’s such a competitor. He makes the people around him better."

Still, the odds of a deal seem slim. At this point, it feels like no team is truly eager to take on Arenado. At 33, he might not be the game-changer he once was, and that’s a hard sell for any contender looking to make a splash this season.

THAT JOSH SMITH RUMOR IS BACK AND MAKES PERFECT SENSE

The Yankees’ infield rumors this winter have been like a game of Whac-A-Mole—just when you think one name sticks, another pops up. But here we are, circling back to a name we tossed around on Bleeding Yankee Blue not too long ago: Josh Smith of the Texas Rangers.

FanSided’s Jacob Mountz recently floated the idea that instead of splurging on Nolan Arenado, the Yankees might just take a more practical route and trade for Smith. But will they actually pull the trigger?

"One unexplored option belongs to the Texas Rangers," Mountz wrote. "Utility infielder/outfielder Josh Smith served as the Rangers' third baseman last season, filling in for the injured Josh Jung. Set to make $800,000 this season before becoming arbitration-eligible, he is easily affordable to any interested team."

Smith, a 27-year-old lefty bat, came out swinging last season, hitting .293 with 10 home runs in the first half. Sure, a mid-season injury cooled him off, but he still snagged a Silver Slugger, wrapping up the season with a respectable .258 and 13 homers in 523 at-bats.

This isn’t our first rodeo with floating Smith. Back on February 1st (HERE) we proposed a trade on BYB that would send Smith to the Bronx and finally cut ties with Marcus Stroman. At the time, we wrote:

"For the Yankees, this would finally put an end to the Stroman saga while helping to patch up their infield depth, an area of concern heading into spring training. As for the Rangers, it’s not the worst idea—they're heavily relying on Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle, two talented arms who combined for just 23.1 innings last season due to injuries. Adding Stroman as an insurance policy, especially if the Yankees eat a chunk of his salary, could be a decent low-risk move."

Let’s face it: if the Yankees are hunting for talent that won’t break the bank, Smith might be their guy. He’s the anti-Arenado—cheap, controllable, and full of potential. The question is, will the Yankees make a move, or is this just another episode of "Rumor Mill: Bronx Edition"?

Stay tuned, folks. You know how these plot twists go.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO OSWALD PERAZA?

With all the ongoing chatter about the Yankees still searching for a second baseman, third baseman, names like Nolan Arenado and even his Cardinals teammate Brendan Donovan continue to pop up in discussions. This is despite the fact that a month ago, Aaron Boone—dubbed "No Championships" Boone by Bleeding Yankee Blue—stated the team would go with DJ LeMahieu or Oswaldo Cabrera. Yet, the speculation hasn’t died down.

One name, however, seems to be quietly fading from the Yankees' infield conversation: Oswald Peraza. And it almost feels intentional. The Yankees appear to be in control of the narrative surrounding his role on the team, and whether he remains in favor seems to be a question they're steering.

Of course, this is just speculation—nothing more than my opinion—but the situation with Peraza feels off. He’s a dynamic defender, someone who grinds every day despite an already crowded Yankees infield. I admire his effort, but something about his standing with the team makes him look like the odd man out. One major factor working against him is that he's out of minor-league options. That alone puts immense pressure on him to make the major league roster because the Yankees can't simply send him down without exposing him to waivers.

Offensively, Peraza isn’t a standout. He’s a career .216 hitter, showing flashes at times but never enough to cement himself as a regular starter. But if hitting struggles were a deal-breaker, how did Joey Gallo ever stick around? The Yankees have endured worse at the plate, so that argument doesn’t completely hold up.

Then there’s Marcus Stroman, who—let’s be honest—hasn’t exactly been a quiet presence. With rumors swirling that he could be on the move now that he only wants to be a starter, could Peraza, Stroman, and maybe someone like Will Warren be part of a bigger package to acquire a dynamic infielder with both a bat and a glove? It’s pure speculation on my part, but I can’t shake the feeling that Peraza’s days in pinstripes are numbered. If Brian Cashman can use him as a trade chip, it might make sense for the Yankees to pull the trigger.

As with all things in baseball, we’ll have to wait and see how it plays out. But for now, keep an eye on Peraza—his future in the Bronx is anything but certain.

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.

SPRING TRAINING IS FINALLY HERE, OR SO THE CALENDAR SAYS

Source: USA Today Sports

The 2024 season is behind us... yes really. This week, pitchers and catchers will report to Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues to get ready for the 2025 baseball season. And all is well in the universe. Yet, here I sit in my pajamas on cold winter's morning, with snow on the ground, and ice on the roof on Super Bowl Sunday. Guess what? I am not happy. I don't feel ready. And I feel like all the groundhogs on this earth are against me. And here's a big reveal: this is the first baseball season I start as a Dodger-hater. Perhaps that is enough heat to melt all of the ice and snow around me. But I am sure the Yankees are faring much better in sunny Florida. And the calendar days ahead will make them the team to beat this year.

"Pitchers and catchers report to spring training a few days before the rest of their teams, allowing hurlers a bit more time to get their arms stretched out. This year, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers are playing two regular season games in Tokyo the week before opening day proper, and will get an even earlier start for spring training," reported USA Today. 

Source: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

And for the Yankees, they will have closer Devin Williams with them along with high leverage reliever Luke Weaver and their established player Jonathan Loaisiga hopes to return to his past form after longstanding injuries and UCL surgery. All this and more beginning Feb. 12th. That's this week! Even though we have about three more winter storms ahead. 

The Yankees have upgraded their infield with MVP first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and maybe they will be able to bring in his counterpart at third base with Nolan Arenado. Aaron Judge will have his new baby daughter likely dressed in pinstripes this season- maybe she brings that extra magic the Yankees need for a championship. I am trying to find optimism in everything. 

Source: CNN

As the final days of the off season close out, the anticipation for baseball is great. The Yankees have all the chance in the world to look and feel like champions. It is a fresh start, with a new team. Once that Super Bowl clock winds down, it's officially baseball season. The memories of 2024 are dwindling and the opportunities for 2025 are mounting. Now if the snow can just melt already, and we can rip off the final days of winter from the calendar, the Yankees can begin their road to the Fall Classic. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

AND WE'RE BACK TO LOOKING FOR A "MARKETPLACE" THIRD BASEMAN AGAIN

Ah yes, the New York Yankees—masters of the mixed signals, architects of fan frustration, and eternal keepers of my blood pressure problems. It's enough to drive you to drink. No, wait a minute, I already drink! 

Just recently, team mouthpiece Aaron Boone tried to calm the masses by suggesting that the Yankees would be looking internally to fill their infield needs. Translation: DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, or Oswald Peraza will get their shot at third base, while Jazz Chisholm (in this hypothetical universe where logic reigns) would play his natural position at second. Crisis averted, right?

Wrong.

Enter Brian Cashman, the human embodiment of the plot twist no one asked for. The moment he mutters “the marketplace” on the YES Network, everything gets thrown into chaos again. And that, my friends, is how we find ourselves once more talking about—deep sigh—Nolan Arenado.

Cashman’s latest soundbite? A classic:

“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.”

Oh boy. Translation: the door is still open for the Yankees to snag a veteran, Gold Glove third baseman.

And wouldn’t you know it? The Arenado trade rumors are back from the dead like a horror movie villain that just won’t stay gone. The Yankees already kicked the tires on him earlier this offseason, but those talks cooled off—probably because Arenado, who turns 34 in April, is still owed a cool $74 million and holds a full no-trade clause. Oh, and he’s already turned down a deal to the Astros (so at least he has good taste).

The Red Sox are reportedly in on him too, which means if the Yankees do want him, they’ll need to get creative—AKA pay down a chunk of that salary. And because nothing in Yankee-land is ever simple, ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that Arenado is “highly motivated” to be traded.

As for the latest rejected deal? The Yankees reportedly offered Marcus Stroman straight-up for Arenado, and the Cardinals flatly refused. That tracks. The Yankees are still desperately trying to offload Stroman’s $18.5 million salary before adding more payroll, but hey—why keep things simple when you can make them as convoluted as possible?

This, ladies and gentlemen, is why the Yankees drive me absolutely insane.

WHAT ELSE DO THE YANKEES NEED TO DO IN AN ALREADY GREAT OFFSEASON?

This offseason, the Yankees have done a lot of good things, and I couldn’t be happier with their approach. Sure, there might be a few more minor tweaks on the horizon, but overall, they’ve put themselves in a strong position heading into the season. Until they figure out how to move Marcus Stroman, any other move is likely going to be small filling in gaps rather than making waves.

Speaking of Stroman, there’s only one trade destination that makes sense to me: the St. Louis Cardinals. The financials work out well taking on his salary would still keep the Cardinals under last season’s $183 million payroll, and they could also move on from a seemingly declining Nolan Arenado. There’s been plenty of speculation connecting Arenado to the Yankees all winter, but personally, I’m not thrilled about that idea. However, if the Yankees packaged Stroman with Everson Pereira, it might be a more attractive deal for other teams. That’s the kind of move that could grease the wheels and make things happen. I actually wrote about this in my piece titled: THE YANKEES ARE DOING THAT THING AGAIN... 

But beyond Stroman, there aren’t a ton of pressing needs. The Yankees will probably focus on smaller-scale adjustments—like adding a backup catcher. With Jose Trevino traded earlier this winter, the team brought in defense-first catcher Alex Jackson from the Reds. That means Jackson could back up Austin Wells, or the Yankees could roll with someone like Ben Rice in that role.

Another thing to keep an eye on is the Yankees’ surplus of pitching. That depth is a luxury, especially this time of year, but it could lead to some difficult roster decisions before Opening Day. Not every arm can make the big-league club, especially with some pitchers out of minor-league options. Finding spots for guys like JT Brubaker or prospect Yoendrys Gómez could work. Or someone like Scott Effross.

Alternatively, the Yankees could leverage this pitching depth to upgrade another position—perhaps at third base—or replenish their farm system by dealing a pitcher before the season kicks off. 

However they choose to play it, the Yankees are in a good place, and I’m excited to see how they fine-tune this roster before Opening Day.

TRADE FOR JACE JUNG? IT ACTUALLY MAKES SENSE

Ah, the New York Yankees—a team with a third-base situation that is getting more play than I ever did after my senior prom. 

With big-name stars like Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado requiring big money, it's clear the Yankees aren't ready to break the bank. So, what's Cashman to do? Hit the trade market and hope for a little bit of that old Bronx magic.

Enter Jace Jung, the Detroit Tigers' prized prospect and potential cornerstone for their third base. The Tigers are pretty much in a "hands-off" mode with Jung, envisioning him anchoring their hot corner for years to come. But hey, why let a little thing like "zero interest in trading him" stop us from dreaming?

The Tigers do need starting pitching, though. So, what if Brian Cashman dangled Clarke Schmidt in front of them, like a cat toy for a kitten? It might be enough to get Detroit’s front office curious. Jung would bring stability to the Yankees at third base as well as a youth movement, fitting Cashman's current obsession with cost control.

But let's not get carried away. This is the baseball rumor world, where every day is a guessing game, and most of the time, everyone's out there just throwing darts in the dark. Maybe the Tigers will bite; maybe they'll laugh us out of the room. Either way, it's fun to imagine, right?

Of course, Jung isn't the only young third baseman on the market. There are other promising players the Yankees could chase if they decide to part with someone like Schmidt. But if the Yanks don't want to stay internal, what a fun option.

Stay tuned. I have ever loved the rumor world as much as I have this offseason. No doubt about it.

THEY CALL HIM "NO-GO" NOLAN

Actually. I call him that.

Our New York Yankees and their endless quest to dominate baseball headlines this offseason, gotta love it. This time, the chatter continues around Nolan Arenado. Now some Yankees fans have been daydreaming about Arenado donning the iconic pinstripes, striding into Yankee Stadium like the hero Gotham deserves. But here’s the kicker: this is starting to look more like a rom-com where the couple never actually gets together.

Let’s rewind to December, The Athletic’s Katie Woo spilled some tea, saying the Yankees had their eyes on Arenado. That little nugget of info sent the rumor mill spinning faster than a Giancarlo Stanton strikeout (sorry, had to although he owned the post season). Things got even juicier when the Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt—Arenado’s buddy and Cardinal's teammate for the past four seasons—to a one-year, $12.5 million deal. Cue the speculation: “If Goldy’s here, why not Arenado?” It was almost too perfect, like a baseball version of peanut butter and jelly.

But as much as some Yankees fans love a good blockbuster, reality bites. Multiple league sources have made it clear that while the Yankees appreciate Arenado’s talent, they’re not exactly lining up to take on the majority of his massive contract. And honestly, can you blame them? Sure, Arenado is still a wizard with the glove, but at 33, he’s not exactly the offensive juggernaut he once was. Those numbers in St. Louis? Let’s just say they’re more “meh” than MVP.

Now, let’s talk logistics. Even if Arenado came to New York, the Yankees don’t need him like they need, say, a magic potion to fix their injury woes. DJ LeMahieu can handle third base just fine. Yes, I know DJ hasn’t been the golden boy lately, but let’s not forget he’s a Swiss Army knife in cleats. Slot him at third, mix in that shiny offseason roster, and the Yankees are looking pretty good.

And let’s be honest: do the Yankees really need another massive contract weighing them down? The last thing they need is to repeat the mistakes of the past (hello, Jacoby Ellsbury, we haven’t forgotten). This franchise is supposed to be smarter, savvier, and, well, more financially selective these days.

So, after reading every report and wild fan theory, it looks like the Yankees are swiping left on Arenado. And you know what? I’m okay with that. Not every big name needs to end up in the Bronx. Sometimes, the best move is staying the course, letting the guys you’ve got do their thing, and avoiding yet another financial albatross.

Sorry, Arenado fans. This love story isn’t meant to be. But hey, there’s always next offseason for Yankees fans to dream up another big-name crush. 

Let's move on now, huh?

DO THE YANKEES HAVE THE MAGIC TOUCH?

Source: NY Times

Gleyber Torres to the Tigers earlier this week was a bittersweet move. He'd be hot, but then he was not and his defensive acumen is extremely weak. So as position players leave and new ones enter through the Stadium turnstile, the question I have for all of you as we move toward our last few days of 2024, do the Yankees have the magic touch for what's ahead in 2025? Or do they need more?

Besides moving ahead with key acquisitions for first base, outfield and starting pitching, the Yankees have some bull pen needs to round things out. Last season, the Yankees bull pen had the magic touch until it didn't. This year, there can be no holes, no flaws if they want to be all in. According to SI.com, "The free agent market for relief pitching always moves slow on an annual basis but should begin to heat up once January and February roll around." Who can bring that magic to the Yankees?

The Yankees added right-handed reliever Fernando Cruz in a trade with the Reds which sent Jose Trevino to Cincinnati. They also picked up Devin Williams from the Brewers in a trade that sent Nestor Cortes to Milwaukee. The Yankees will get Jonathan Loáisiga back as well come February. But they need likely more depth to get the finish line first.

According to Newsweek, "New York could look to add more to the bullpen, with St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley being the top option potentially available. The Yankees could attempt to center a trade around Marcus Stroman, although St. Louis has reportedly declined a Stroman for Nolan Arenado deal." Analysts say that adding Helsley and perhaps his teammate Miles Mikolas could give the Yankees what they need. In fact, that could be the exclamation point. 

"Helsley is a two-time All-Star and the reigning Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year. He will be a free agent after this season. Helsley is one of the few players in the league who could give the Yankees an actual decision to make at closer. Devin Williams is also a two-time All-Star and a two-time Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year. Having both guys in the bullpen would make the Yankees nearly untouchable in close games. Mikolas is also a two-time All-Star. He had a down year last season, but the Yankees could hope to help him reach his All-Star form again," reported Sporting News.

Magic Touch or confidence? I think it is a bit of both. And with that bit of both, the Yankees can be the team to beat in 2025. Let's see what the New Year rings in and then see how things progress leading into a very much anticipated Spring Training. And let's hope that Aaron Boone doesn't mess things up. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

YANKS OUT ON ARENADO & BREGMAN?

Well, Yankees fans, it looks like Nolan Arenado isn’t coming to the Bronx anytime soon. The Cardinals have reportedly said “thanks, but no thanks” to a trade offer that would have sent the star third baseman to New York in exchange for righty Marcus Stroman. According to MLB.com, Arenado might have been open to waiving his no-trade clause if the Yankees added Paul Goldschmidt to their lineup—spoiler alert: they did just that on Saturday. But even with Goldy on board, the Yankees are officially out on Arenado.

And if you thought Alex Bregman might be plan B, think again. Jack Curry of YES Network shut down that dream, stating bluntly, “Bregman is not a fit because of Yankee Stadium dimensions," this comes from a Reddit post.  Translation: his power numbers wouldn’t play well in New York. Plus, let’s not forget the spicy bad blood between the Yankees and Astros over that infamous sign-stealing scandal. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter summed it up perfectly: “The Yankees were always a long shot for Bregman.”

So, where does that leave the Bombers? Still hunting for a new hot corner star. Arenado may still be one of baseball’s best, but his 2024 numbers weren’t exactly MVP-caliber: a .266 average, 16 home runs, and 71 RBIs. Defensively, though? The man is still a vacuum cleaner at third base. Meanwhile, speculation is Bregman’s off the table because of the awkward Astros-Yankees tension.

Remember, Cody Bellinger, the newest member of the pinstriped family and a certified Astros hater. Bellinger’s beef with Houston adds a little extra spice to the mix, and who doesn’t love that?

The Yankees’ quest for a third baseman continues, but one thing’s for sure: this offseason isn’t short on plot twists. 

Stay tuned—because in the Bronx, the soap opera never ends.

A MARCUS STROMAN TRADE COULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN!

I'm REALLY happy with the Yankees winter so far. I said last month I would be indifferent if Juan Soto left, and now that he has, I am actually ecstatic about it. For the first time in a long time, I am actually really happy with the team Brian Cashman has built for us so far. There's one thing that could take it over the top....

The Yankees are still sorting out where Jazz Chisholm Jr will play next season. It could be second base, or it could be third. Who knows, but honestly, I wouldn't be mad at either. No matter what that the resolution looks like there, the move that would put the icing on the cake would be to trade Marcus Stroman. It's too far-fetched when you think about it.

At this point, Stroman looks like the odd man out. The Yankees don't need him, and he wouldn't be a loss for us at all. The Yankees have Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon on long term deals already. They also have Clarke Schmidt and Rookie of the Year Luis Gil ready to go. I'm ready to see what Gil does next year, and I have more faith in Schmidt. Obviously, the Yankees do too because they didn't use Stroman at all in the postseason.

So the Yankees are sniffing for a match, because honestly, we don't need him. We have better options already and he just didn't prove himself. The Yankees already struck out when they approached the St. Louis Cardinals, read more HERE. I understand why the Cardinals declined, they are trying to shed some payroll also, so if the Yankees aren't willing to eat a bunch of Stroman's money while taking on Nolan Arenado's contract then it just isn't a fit. The Yankees and Cardinals both want to trade players to clear some space for their teams - so it's time to look at other options.

That doesn't mean that the Yankees and Cardinals stop talking about Arenado though, it just means Stroman doesn't get that deal done. Now the Yankees just look for another trade partner that does let them part ways with Stroman. I think if the Yankees eat enough of the $18 million, he is owed this season someone will take him. His contract isn't that bad that he can't be moved.

I think we all know the writing is on the wall for Stroman. Could the Yankees hold onto him for more pitching depth? Sure, but at the amount of money he is owed, stashing him in the bullpen isn't going to be preferable financially or for his skillset. I think a change is coming.... we just have to be patient for it.

Moving Stroman would be a nice finale to my holiday season though. Hopefully Santa hears me and can make it happen....fingers crossed.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj