TAMPA, Fla. — Nolan Arenado made the trek across the state of Florida to participate in an exhibition game against the New York Yankees, a team speculated to be interested in acquiring him via trade. Unfortunately, his performance did not serve to impress, as Arenado went 0 for 3, striking out three times during his appearances at the plate.
Despite the timing of these plays, Arenado clarified his intentions for the game were unrelated to trade considerations. “I didn’t come here for that,” he stated, as quoted by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “Day 3 of spring training. That wouldn’t be a good day to showcase myself. I’m not ready for that.”
The third baseman is currently on the trade market, attributed to a decrease in production alongside a hefty contract that sees him earning $74 million over the next three seasons. However, Arenado had reportedly been given the option to bypass the game, but he decided to make the trip. His motivation stemmed from a desire to reconnect with friends and former teammates DJ LeMahieu and Paul Goldschmidt, now infielders for the Yankees, as well as an athletic trainer familiar to him in the region.
Arenado expressed a wish to have three at-bats during the game, resulting in his participation over seven innings—a somewhat unusual move for a seasoned player in February. During his time on the field, Arenado struck out on three pitches, made a line out to second base, and missed another pitch on a 1-2 count.
“My body is ready for it,” Arenado stated, referring to enduring lengthy game stretches. “I’m ready for nine. My timing at the plate is not,” he candidly admitted.
