Thursday night, Ken Rosenthal reported that the Rockies and Cardinals have begun discussing a trade centered on Nolan Arenado:
Cardinals, Rockies talking Arenado. Story: https://t.co/nefoGysvmg
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 29, 2021
According to Rosenthal, “No deal appears close, and the other players who might be involved are not known.” He notes that Arenado would likely waive his no-trade clause and perhaps decline his opt-out after the 2021 season.
Currently, the Rockies owe Arenado $199 million over the next six seasons. Rosenthal also reported that the Braves have inquired about an Arenado trade, but nothing appears to be happening on that front.
In 2020, Arenado was the best defensive player in baseball with a DRS of 15. Arenado also won his eighth Gold Glove. Due to a shoulder injury, he suffered a miserable season offensively, slashing .253/.303/.434 with a wRC+ of 76. In 48 games, he hit only eight home runs and 26 RBI, numbers comparable with his rookie season (.267/.301/.405).
Arenado’s conflicts with general manager Jeff Bridich have been well documented. As Patrick Saunders reported in January of 2020, Arenado felt “disrespected” by the general manager, and there has been no reported reconciliation between the two.
Arenado has been quiet during the offseason. However, some MLB.com Instagram video posted last week shows Arenado working on his swing with a shoulder that appears completely healed.
While rumors of an Arenado trade are not new, it would prove devastating to a fan base already disappointed with the Rockies’ quiet offseason following a Dick Monfort letter to season ticket holders indicating that “the industry faces a new economic reality.”
Purple Row will continue to follow this developing (and potentially heartbreaking) story.