The New York Yankees were thought to be one of the favorites for Manny Machado, but could it be the third baseman they want all along is Nolan Arenado?
The New York Yankees seem to like former Colorado Rockies this off-season. They’ve added Adam Ottavino to their bullpen and Troy Tulowitzki and DJ Lemahieu to their infield mix. Manny Machado is still a free agent, but it appears the Yankees have their eye on the Rockies current third baseman, and someone who will headline the free agent class in 2020, Nolan Arenado.
"Meanwhile, people briefed on the Yankees thinking say that GM Brian Cashman — who did not respond to a request for comment — has internally discussed the possibility of trying to trade for Arenado either now or during the season. One source said that the teams have likely talked already, but neither Cashman nor Rockies GM Jeff Bridich have confirmed this."
The 27-year old Arenado had another excellent season, hitting .297 with a .935 OPS, an NL leading 38 homers and 110 RBI. It was the fourth straight season that he drove in over 100 runs and the third time in the last four seasons that he led the NL in homers.
Arenado can field too, although not as well in 2018 as he did in the past. After two consecutive 20 DRS, Arenado only had five DRS last year, per Fangraphs.
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The New York Yankees current third baseman, and probable trade chip should they make this move,
, was a -25 DRS last season.
If you’re the New York Yankees, and Arenado is available and it costs you Andujar, I think it’s a move you make. The St. Louis Cardinals acquired Paul Goldschmidt this off-season, and Goldschmidt is in the last year of his deal as well. They are hoping that once he plays in St. Louis for a year that he enjoys it and wants to stay and the New York Yankees could hope the same for Arenado.
The issue is, Andujar has cost control at a time where some of the New York Yankees’ younger players are going to start to get more expensive and rather quickly, plus James Paxton, Aaron Hicks and Didi Gregorius are all free agents, like Arenado after next year. Do you sink $30 million per for seven to 10 years in Arenado or bet on Andujar improving on both sides of the ball.
You do also have to look at Arenado’s home and road splits. At home, Arenado is .320/.374/.609. On the road? .263/.318/.469.
The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle, however, if you have a chance to get an elite player to add to your roster, you should do it. If the New York Yankees have this opportunity, take it and run. Flags fly forever and they know that better than anyone.