This Yankees-Rockies Trade for Nolan Arenado Trade Could Actually Work

The New York Yankees have plenty of sluggers, slick fielders, and contact hitters in their current infield, and while it's a little less overstuffed than it was with Didi Gregorius under contract, there's still plenty to work with.

On the OTHER hand...there could be regression in tow for Gio Urshela and Luke Voit, and DJ LeMahieu, while a wizard with the bat, may never be his 2019 vintage again. Is there room, then, for a superstar upgrade?

Rumor had it the Yankees ceased their Manny Machado pursuit before it started because they were enamored with Arenado, a 2020 free agent. Then, Arenado extended long-term with the Rockies, squashing that dream ... until this offseason, when he reportedly became disgruntled and reignited the trade market. At this point, odds of a deal have risen to 50/50. So what can the Yanks do to blow the rest of the league out of the water?

Nolan Arenado Trade Rumors

There's no mincing words here: Colorado needs young, controllable star talent. For the two sides to agree on anything, the Yanks will have to give up a significant amount. This deal will have to hurt to work.

Presuming Gleyber Torres is off the table (he is), that means gutting the Yankees of their other differentiating prize: 16-year-old Jasson "The Martian" Dominguez. Already the Yankees' No. 2 prospect before he's played an organized minor league game, Dominguez is the realest possible deal for such a raw talent. He's purported to be Mike Trout, and he'll enjoy the cushy altitude of Denver for many years, in this scenario.

Nolan Arenado Contract Details

Beyond Dominguez, it'll take a good portion of the top of New York's farm system. Hurlers Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil would likely be gone, too, and the Yankees would have to assume, let's say, 70% of Arenado's $234 remaining million (every year remaining on his deal is more expensive than 2019's $26 million). The only reason this deal won't take No. 1 prospect Deivi Garcia, too? Arenado has an opt-out following 2021 that simply has to be factored in.

So, should New York take the plunge and cut bait with Dominguez before they even really know what he is? Is it worth it for a shot at someone who would have trouble exceeding Gio Urshela's 2019, but has a far longer track record? Honestly, the likely answer is yes. The trigger should be pulled if Colorado likes this deal of Dominguez, Schmidt and Gil.