The balance of power in the AL East is at stake. The Red Sox just made a high-stakes deal for Alex Bregman that seems to be the “Biggest Threat in the American League.” Now it’s the Yankees’ turn. Can they afford to gamble? The answer could define their season.
The Red Sox made headlines again when they have signed superstar third baseman Alex Bregman to a mega deal of 120 million dollars. Bregman’s right-handed bat with their left-handed hitters like Rafael Devers and Triston Casas can provide extra flexibility to Red Sox’s 3rd base. There’s a possibility they can surpass their previous season’s 81-81 record and that can give the Red Sox an extra push toward their effectiveness in the American League East. Chris McMonigle says of this move, “This is a major move in the American League and the American League East. You look at that lineup…and they brought in Garrett Crochet. The Red Sox are making the case to be the biggest threat in the American League to the Yankees”
Bregman coming to Boston makes the Yankees get into gear and react. But what can they do?
The Yankees have been desperate to remedy their third-base deficiency for some time. The club had considered a bevy of players to fill the void, whether it be a splash for the likes of signing Xander Bogaerts or a veteran stopgap on the free-agent market, but nothing materialized as a clean option. The Yankees’ front office, no doubt frothing as their archrival, the Boston Red Sox, made a daring dash to scoop Alex Bregman, fell desperate to counterpunch. Amid all the chatter, Nolan Arenado keeps coming up as the only option that truly addresses their need.
Yankees third base position has caused the Yankees some trouble throughout the season. And it hasn’t exactly gotten better. DJ LeMahieu,36, is still struggling with a .527 OPS in 67 games in the 2024 season. Another option is Oswaldo Cabrera and the performance of Oswald Peraza is not also convincing. Despite the perception that the weakness is indeed more perceived but not real, Bregman’s addition to the lineup at the Red Sox exposes a gap. McMonigle says,” Yankees focused on not entering the season with a third base platoon of Oswaldo Cabrera, DJ LeMahieu, and Oswald Peraza.”
In that present scenario, St. Louis Cardinals 3rd base Nolan Arenado would fit right into the Yankees lineup because he is an offensive force as he has averaged over 25 home runs in his career and had a typical line of .310/.400/.520 last season. Also an exceptional defender at third base, winning eight Gold Gloves in his career so far. Arenado’s 2022 campaign was worth roughly 2.5 WAR.
He’s not merely numbers and impact, though. His versatility, leadership, and impact make him the ideal punch thrown in retaliation to the Red Sox’s move. Arenado’s steady hot corner side-kick for the Yankees’ explosive home run-centric lineup could be a boon to their offensive consistency. And a much-needed feature in a game with high-pressure scenarios.
Why Arenado makes sense for Yankees’
The payroll salary for Nolan Arenado is $21 million per season. Arenado is worth the investment when compared to Bregman’s hefty contract with the Red Sox. The Yankees are known to go after the big names to win the championship. Most of all, Nolan Arenado is clearly in search of a winning environment as he enters the later stage of his career, he wants to finish strong.
First, he needs a team that can push him to compete for championships rather than winning competitive matches. Second, his veteran presence and gold glove defense will be impactful on a winning team, positioning him as a valuable asset even in his declining offensive years. Third, the Cardinals appear willing to trade him, so it would benefit both parties. That’s why McMonigle, or C-Mac, said, “Go get Nolan Arenado. He desperately wants out and the Cardinals want to move him…”
And what about the rival?
In the past, the Red Sox have demonstrated the power of decisive trade season moves in balancing the arms race with the Yankees. Remember 2004? The acquisitions of Curt Schilling and Pedro Martínez turned the tide of that season’s ALCS comeback from down 0-3 against the Yankees. The Red Sox have also showcased decisive interruption in free-agent signings that have dynamically altered their roster and shifted the balance of the rivalry. So, the Red Sox are capable of making game-changing moves that have served purposes and sent a strong message to the Yankees.
Now, with the Bronx Bombers scrambling to solidify third base, Nolan Arenado would be the perfect counterpunch in response to Boston signing Bregman. “Are the Yankees determined to be the best team in the American League? If they are, Nolan Arenado is a better third baseman than DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, or Oswald Peraza,” C Mac commented. Arenado’s production and veteran presence will not only fill that hole but add fuel to the rivalry’s fire. If the Yankees wish to break free of mistakes made this season to compete with Boston, picking up Arenado is the best option available to build a more potent and competitive roster.
What other moves should the Yankees make to compete with the Red Sox? Let us know!
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