Yankees Rumors: The Bombers may pursue Nolan Arenado

It appears the Yankees may be seriously interested in pursuing six-time Gold Glove winner, Nolan Arenado, to man third base in the Bronx.

According to Andy Martino of SNY.tv, the Yankees may pursue the six-time Gold Glove winner, and four-time All-Star third baseman, Nolan Arenado. The Rockies and Arenado are heading to a multimillion-dollar arbitration hearing before he is set to become a free agent next offseason potentially.

Reportedly, Arenado is seeking $30 million, while the Rockies are offering $24 million. The organization wants to sign the 27-year-old to a long-term deal but considering they’re heading to arbitration; an extension may have to wait.

A pause in negotiations could mean that the Yankees may at some point in this season, trade for Arenado — whose six-year career with the Rockies has resulted in a lifetime .291 AVG, 186 HRs, 616 RBIs and .346 OBP.

For comparison’s sake, Arenado has committed 79 errors at third base, while Manny Machado has made 68 errors at third base and 20 at shortstop seven big league seasons. With the bat, Machado has hit .282 AVG, 175 HRs, 513 RBIs and .335 OBP.

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Arenado finished third in the NL MVP race in 2018, so his presence on both sides of the ball could be a substantial boost for the Bombers. A major league source told Andy of SNY.Tv that we may be seeing Arenado in Pinstripes sooner rather than later:

"Don’t sleep on the Yanks and Colorado third baseman 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.“It’s going to be difficult for Colorado to keep him,” said one person familiar with the Rockies situation.If he hits free agency, Arenado will likely garner interest from more teams than Machado has. He’s universally regarded as a gamer, without the baggage created, fairly or not, from Machado’s “Johnny Hustle” comments in October.More than one league source has said to keep an eye on this."

The Yankees could always move Miguel Andujar to first base and have Arenado man the hot corner. I believe this may be a good idea, especially if the Bombers were to trade for Arenado now (and sign him long-term) while not having to include Andujar in the package.

Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, also liked this tweet from Jon Heyman of Fancred which appears to be a sign that he may be an endorsement.

In Arenado, you wouldn’t have to deal with the lack of hustle and most notably, the attitude issues surrounding superstar free agent, Manny Machado.

Should the Yanks wait until next offseason to sign Arenado, they likely wouldn’t be forced to give up on Andujar (.297 AVG, 27 HRs, 47 doubles, 92 RBIs in his rookie season). While Andujar committed 15 errors in his rookie campaign, you must remember he was rushed to the majors on April 1, 2018, due to a slew of early season injuries to the 25-man roster.

Andujar has also been hard at work on his defense this offseason — talk about dedication.

I do wonder what the cost would be for the Rockies to give up Arenado and his one remaining year of control? I’m sure some highly touted prospects would need to leave the Yankees’ top-10 farm system.

If the price is too steep, perhaps the Yanks will wait and sign Arenado once he hits free agency next winter. In the opposite of former Yankees manager Joe Girardi’s famous last words, it’s what you want.