The already thin depth at third base for the New York Yankees took another blow last week when veteran D.J. LeMahieu, who only played 67 games last season, sustained a left calf injury during his spring debut on Saturday while running the bases.
The 36-year-old infielder revealed afterward that his recovery might take some time, casting doubt on his availability for the Yankees’ season opener on March 27. The situation at third base has been a major topic of conversation throughout the offseason, with trade rumors swirling around St. Louis Cardinals star Nolan Arenado, sparking intrigue among Yankees fans.
As March approaches, Bleacher Report recently predicted where some of the top players involved in MLB trade rumors could end up by the end of the 2025 season, and Arenado was projected to join the Yankees. According to Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report, the Yankees were reportedly one of the teams Arenado would be willing to waive his no-trade clause for, and it’s likely that the team could grow desperate enough to take on the remainder of his contract after several months of trying to mix and match players like Oswaldo Cabrera, D.J. LeMahieu, and Oswald Peraza at third base.
Nolan Arenado
However, acquiring Arenado is far from a straightforward move. With the Yankees already facing a hefty payroll, taking on the $90 million left on Arenado’s contract, which includes $52 million in salary through 2027 and nearly $40 million in deferred money through 2041, would be a significant financial commitment.
Arenado, who turns 34 in April, has seen a decline in his performance numbers over the years but remains a consistent contributor in a strong lineup. In 2024, he posted a .272 batting average and a .719 OPS over 152 games, along with 16 home runs, 71 RBIs, and 70 runs scored. If the Yankees decide against making a trade, it seems likely that Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza will continue to be the leading candidates to share duties at third base to start the 2025 season.
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