Red Sox, Yankees among 'best fits' for $189 million superstar free agent

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 11:18 GMT by Newsweek

Red Sox, Yankees Poised to Snag a $189 Million “Superstar” Free Agent

In the summer of 2023, a new wave of speculation swept across Major League Baseball as the league’s most prized free agents started to surface in the media’s collective conversation. At the center of the frenzy was a player whose name had become shorthand for “elite power‑hitting, defensively‑sound talent that can command an astronomical contract.” That player was Nolan Arenado, the Cardinals’ perennial All‑Star third baseman, whose 2020 season showcased a combination of on‑base wizardry, slugging ability, and elite fielding that made him the most coveted free agent on the market.

Why Arenado?

Arenado’s 2020 stats were a perfect illustration of the type of player that teams will pay top dollar for: a .260 batting average, 29 home runs, 92 RBIs, and an on‑base percentage of .399, all while maintaining a .992 fielding percentage at third base. In addition, the 31‑year‑old’s on‑base plus slugging (OPS) of 1.000 ranks among the league’s best. Analysts argue that the sheer scarcity of a player with that combination of offensive and defensive skill makes Arenado “the most valuable free agent of the year.”

According to the analysis, the projected “$189 million” valuation for Arenado comes from a 7‑year deal that averages roughly $27 million per year. This figure sits within the upper echelon of MLB contracts, comparable to the 10‑year, $190 million extension the Cardinals later offered him in December 2020. Even though the Cardinals ultimately decided to keep him, the question remains: which other teams would have been willing to meet that price tag?

Red Sox & Yankees: The Two Prime Candidates

The Newsweek piece pinpoints the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees as the two franchises most likely to fit Arenado’s profile, both on and off the field. For Boston, the argument rests on a combination of a sizeable payroll, a deep roster that can absorb an expensive free agent, and a ballpark—Fenway Park—that provides a hitter’s paradise with a short right‑field fence that favors a player with Arenado’s power profile. Additionally, Boston’s front office has a history of making “smart” investments in elite talent, as seen with the recent signings of Aaron Judge and Mike Trout (through free agency), who are both capable of carrying an offense.

The Yankees’ fit hinges on several factors. First, the Yankees have a very lucrative payroll and have shown a willingness to pay premium salaries for star players—see the $300 million contract that Andrew Benintendi signed with the Twins or the $215 million contract offered to Giancarlo Stanton in 2021. Second, the Yankees have historically had a lack of a consistent, elite third baseman, and Arenado would immediately slot into a lineup that already contains strong offensive production from players like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Luis Severino (in a pitching role). Finally, the Yankees’ brand and stadium—Yankee Stadium—offer a high‑visibility platform for a player of Arenado’s stature.

Other Teams on the Radar

While the article focuses on the Red Sox and Yankees, it acknowledges that other teams—such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Philadelphia Phillies, the San Diego Padres, and even the Houston Astros—could have been contenders for Arenado. Each of these clubs has a substantial payroll and the need for a high‑caliber third baseman. However, the analysis points out that these teams either lack the immediate offensive production needed to justify a $189 million deal or have existing third‑base depth that would make the trade less attractive.

Linking to Broader Free‑Agent Landscape

The article also weaves Arenado’s situation into the broader narrative of the 2023 free‑agent market. It cites other high‑paying prospects like Shohei Ohtani, who became a free agent after the 2022 season, and notes how the league’s lack of a hard salary cap allows teams to negotiate massive contracts for elite talent. The piece links to a separate Newsweek feature on the “2023 MLB free‑agent market: What teams are willing to pay for elite talent,” which elaborates on the financial mechanics that allow teams to reach the $189 million mark. Additionally, it references a deeper dive into the Yankees’ spending habits, illustrating the team’s trend toward “high‑pay, high‑perform” signings.

Conclusion

In short, the Newsweek article paints a vivid picture of a baseball world where a player like Nolan Arenado, with his combination of offensive firepower and defensive excellence, can command an astronomical contract. While the Cardinals ultimately secured him with a long‑term deal, the article speculates that the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees would have been the best fits for a $189 million free‑agent deal, given their payroll size, roster needs, and ballpark advantages. Even though Arenado’s contract saga did not pan out as the piece initially imagined, it remains a compelling case study in how elite talent is valued, negotiated, and ultimately allocated in modern Major League Baseball.