Yankees could capitalize on different trade involving recent Cardinals drama

There's no doubt the New York Yankees have been proactive in their efforts to improve the roster following Juan Soto's departure, but there's also no doubt that they haven't quite done enough. It just takes more than replacing departing players to win a World Series.

The lamenting from Yankees fans isn't unfounded, either. And it all depends on where you stand with the roster issues. For example, what's taking so long to sign Tim Hill and/or Andrew Chafin? Why isn't at least one of those deals done? Why are the Yankees likely headed to arbitration with Mark Leiter Jr.? Why did they spend the entirety of Thursday working out arbitration salary agreements despite there being a soft 1 p.m. ET deadline? For example, why did the Yankees let Gleyber Torres go and then lack the urgency to fix their second/third base situation with a defined plan? Why did the Yankees sign Marcus Stroman to a contract they are regretting less than a year later?

There's much to be frustrated about. Then again, fans don't know what's going on behind the scenes. And it could be worse. We could be the waffling Red Sox or the inept Blue Jays. All in all, the Yankees are totally fine heading into 2025.

And if they decide to get creative and aggressive? They could be even better off. Much of the offseason trade chatter out of St. Louis has focused on Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, but the Yankees can perhaps swoop in and inquire about a deal for an even better option.

According to Cardinals insider John Denton, the team was unable to reach agreements on a long-term extension or 2025 arbitration salary for utility man Brendan Donovan on Thursday. If there's continued friction between the two parties, Brian Cashman needs to pick up the phone to see if there's a way for New York to capitalize.

Yankees Rumors: Could Brendan Donovan emerge as trade target?

Tired: Trading for aging Nolan Arenado, who comes with $50 million attached to him over the next three years.

Wired: Trading for Brendan Donovan, a 28-year-old under team control who can play second base and the outfield while hitting from the left side of the plate.

On the one hand, the Cards may not be inclined to trade Donovan due to his inherent value and the fact he's not a burden on the payroll. Then again, they're not getting value for Arenado, so perhaps Donovan, who only has three years of control left and is entering his age-28 season, might be a worthwhile trade piece that can fetch them a good return without mortgaging part of their future.

Donovan is certainly an asset, but he's the oldest of the bunch including Nolan Gorman, Lars Nootbaar, Alex Burleson, Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn — all of whom represent the next era of Cardinals baseball. St. Louis can add to that by acquiring either more young talent or MLB-ready talent if they trade Donovan.

How it helps the Yankees? Well, it's of course an imperfect situation. Donovan would likely slot into second base for 2025, leaving Jazz Chisholm at third. The Yankees can then work out some sort of system with Donovan, Chisholm, Oswaldo Cabrera and Jasson Dominguez. Donovan can play second, third and left, as can Cabrera. Chisholm can play second, third and center field. Dominguez can play left field and center field. And they're all supposed to be above-average defenders.

That's a much better plan than roving a bunch of below-average defenisve players around the field, right? Such a trade would make the Yankees younger, more athletic, and more versatile. Something to consider as the remaining options dwindle and become less inspiring by the hour.