Arenado: I didn't play Yankees to 'showcase myself'

Nolan Arenado wasn't trying to impress the New York Yankees when the St. Louis Cardinals third baseman faced the Bronx Bombers during Wednesday's spring game.

"I didn't come here for that," Arenado said, according to Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post. "Day 3 of spring training, that wouldn't be a good day to showcase myself."

Arenado, who's been on the trade block all offseason, reportedly has the Yankees as one of five teams for which he'd waive his no-trade clause, and he drove over three hours Wednesday to face New York at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

However, the eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts.

"I don't know if you saw, but I got, like, some 95-mph fastballs blown by me today," Arenado said. "So, I'm just trying to focus on getting on time and getting ready for the season."

The 33-year-old added that he made the trip to see current Yankees Paul Goldschmidt and DJ LeMahieu, as well as a trainer in the area.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals and Astros have reportedly re-engaged in trade talks after Arenado blocked a deal to Houston in December.

Arenado has $74 million over three years left on his contract, but he's been in decline with his bat over the last few seasons, while the Cardinals are moving into a rebuild.