The New York Yankees are expected to be active this offseason, with predictions suggesting they may target a slugger and a star reliever to strengthen their roster.
In a set of 11 MLB offseason predictions published by TheScore on November 25, analyst Brandon Wilde proposed a bold scenario where the Yankees make a blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. According to Wilde, the Yankees could acquire third baseman and closer .
“The Yankees swing a deal to acquire third baseman and closer from the St. Louis Cardinals, addressing a pair of needs,” Wilde explained. “Although Arenado is no longer at his All-Star peak and has seen his power numbers decline over the past three seasons, he remains an elite defender with excellent contact skills. With three years and approximately $64 million left on his contract, it’s a manageable financial commitment for New York.
“Acquiring Arenado would also allow the Yankees to reposition Jazz Chisholm Jr., potentially to second base or center field, improving a defense that struggled in the postseason,” Wilde added. “Meanwhile, Helsley, the reigning NL Reliever of the Year, would take over as New York’s closer, freeing Weaver to handle setup duties.”
Arenado, who is in the final three years of an eight-year, $260 million deal, would provide a power boost and address a critical need at third base. Helsley, on the other hand, is entering arbitration and set to become a free agent after the upcoming season, but his addition would immediately enhance the Yankees’ bullpen.
How Would Arenado & Helsley Fit in With The Yankees?
The prediction appears to align well with the Yankees’ offseason needs, as both Nolan Arenado and Ryan Helsley address critical gaps in their roster.
The Yankees are in dire need of a reliable third baseman, and Arenado would be an ideal solution. His bat would add depth to the lineup, complementing his defensive prowess. In 2024, Arenado posted a solid .272 batting average with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs. A 10-time Gold Glove and 5-time Silver Slugger winner, he remains one of the game’s top defensive third basemen.
Helsley, on the other hand, could step into the closer role, replacing Clay Holmes. As the Cardinals’ closer in 2024, Helsley was exceptional, recording a 2.04 ERA and converting 49 of 53 save opportunities. His presence would not only solidify the closer position but also allow Weaver to transition to a setup role, further bolstering the Yankees’ bullpen strength.
This potential trade could provide the Yankees with a much-needed boost, addressing both their defensive and pitching weaknesses heading into the new season.
Yankees in Good Position to Add, According to Owner
After making it to the World Series in 2024, the New York Yankees are aiming to build on their success. While re-signing Juan Soto remains the team’s top priority, owner Hal Steinbrenner has made it clear that there is flexibility to pursue additional acquisitions.
“We’re starting from a better position than we were a year ago, no question,” Steinbrenner said. “Year after year after year, payrolls like this year’s and the associated luxury taxes aren’t sustainable for most owners, maybe all of them. But that doesn’t mean I can’t make big moves in a given year. We have the resources to sign any player we want.”
The Yankees carried a payroll of $309 million in 2024, per Spotrac, reflecting their willingness to invest heavily in pursuit of a championship. With Steinbrenner’s assurance of financial flexibility, the team appears poised to target additional key players this offseason, complementing their efforts to retain Soto.
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