Legendary Yankees announcer Michael Kay has never been shy about voicing his opinions, whether it’s about the team he represents or any other team.
The starting third baseman job for the Bronx Bombers is up for grabs, with D.J. LeMahieu, Oswald Peraza, Oswaldo Cabrera and prospect Jorbit Vivas vying for the role.
Widely connected to the Yankees in trade rumors is veteran third baseman, multi-time All Star and Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado, who has three years and $74 million remaining on his $260 million dollar contract he signed with St. Louis.
Arenado also has a no-trade clause, and the star has said he would waive his no-trade clause to go to six teams: the Dodgers, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox, Padres and Angels.
Notably missing from that list are the New York Yankees, though Arenado hasn’t flat out denied his interest in a trade to New York.
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado
Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
However, when the Cardinals faced off against the Yankees Wednesday at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Arenado made the 3-hour trip down from Jupiter, which many commented is a long trip to make for a veteran.
According to Cardinals beat writer John Denton, Arenado didn’t want two days off in a row and “pushed to play against the Yankees.”
Do with that what you will, but Yankees announcer Michael Kay strongly questioned why the Yankees aren’t trying to make a move for Arenado given their lack of a quality option at third.
“It’s not the Josh Donaldson situation where you were on the hook for $25 million a year for a clearly flawed player,” Kay said on his show Wednesday. “When he was traded to the Yankees the Twins had a party!” he exclaimed.
The absence of any Arenado news, despite an available suitor and interest from both sides, continues to puzzle people around the world of baseball.
Brendan Kuty of the Athletic tweeted sarcastically: “I want to emphasize how normal it is for a 12-year veteran to take a three-hour spring road trip to one of teams he reportedly would consider getting traded to despite his full no-trade clause.”
MLB on FOX correspondent Ken Rosenthal, in an appearance on ‘Foul Territory,’ shared a similar suspicion that an Arenado trade to the Bronx may be brewing.
“It does show me that Arenado wants to play in front of the Yankees, and maybe give them something to think about,” Rosenthal said.
Arenado went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts in the Wednesday matinee.
