I could end this article right now by simply saying no! But let me explain. My main concern for this year’s New York Yankees is the lack of left hand hitting players. Neither Bryant or Arenado are left-hand hitters, so that is not a consideration as to why they would add anything to the Yankees.
Kris Bryant:
Kris Bryant is a Chicago Cub, playing for them for the last five seasons, Wednesday he lost his labor grievance against the Chicago Cubs and they have him on the trading block. His batting average over the span is .284 while hitting an average of just over 27 home runs. With those stats, he would be an excellent addition to the Yankees already powerful line, but his another right-hand hitter. On the downside is that he is primarily a 3rd baseman and not a very good one. He had the lowest fielding percentage of any 3rd baseman in either league. The Yankees already have the Gold Glove like Gio Urshela at third.
General Manager Brian Cashman said that Gio will be the starting 3rd baseman and that it’s his job to lose. Cashman made reference to the Yankees other 3rd baseman Miguel Andujar, who is probably better in the lineup with his power but not the defender in the hot corner that Urshela is. Urshela hit a home run on average once in every six games. Andujar, who was out for most of the year, hit one home run in every 5.5 games in 2018. Andujar this more of a contract and has a slightly higher batting average. Some say the Yankees could consider Bryant, but I just don’t see that he has anything unusual to offer the Yankees.
Nolan Arenado:
Nolan Arenado has more to offer the Yankees than Bryant. He has a bigger bat for one thing hitting 41 home runs last year for the Colorado Rockies while maintaining a .282 batting average. Adding Arenado to the lineup would put it over the top in either league. But the same problems exist for Arenado as Byrant. Nolan is another 3rd baseman and also hits from the right side of the plate, adding even more right heavy aspects to the lineup. Unlike Byrant, he has a .980 fielding percentage.  Arenado is an eight-time Gold Glover and five-time Silver Slugger.  With the log jam at 3rd, acquiring Arenado would require trading off either Andujar or Urshela in a package that might include J.A. Happ and Clint Frazier too.  The huge downside to Arenado is this massive salary of $35MM. I don’t think the Yankees can justify that kind on hit on the payroll when they already have two players that can adequately cover the hot corner.