Rosenthal: Cardinals, Rockies in discussions on Nolan Arenado trade

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 28: Nolan Arenado #42 of the Colorado Rockies attempts to field a soft ground ball in the first inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on August 28, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
By Ken Rosenthal
Jan 29, 2021

A trade of Nolan Arenado finally might be coming into focus.

The Cardinals are in discussions with the Rockies about a deal that would bring the five-time All-Star third baseman to St. Louis, according to major-league sources. No deal appears close, and the other players who might be involved are not known.

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Arenado, 29, likely would waive his no-trade clause to join the Cardinals, and perhaps agree to push back his right to opt out after the 2021 season. The Rockies, to escape his $199 million guarantee over the next six seasons, almost certainly would absorb at least one high-priced veteran from the Cardinals while also receiving prospects in the deal.

League sources offered varied assessments of where the talks stood Thursday night. One cautioned that a trade might not happen at all, but others believe the Rockies are motivated to move Arenado and the Cardinals are motivated to acquire him. The Braves also checked in on Arenado but made no progress toward a deal, a source said.

The Cardinals, as reported by MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, reached an agreement Thursday with free-agent right-hander Adam Wainwright on a one-year contract. They also are trying to re-sign catcher Yadier Molina. But Arenado, an eight-time Gold Glove and four-time Silver Slugger winner, would be the biggest prize, a stunning addition at a time when all teams are dealing with the financial challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arenado is coming off his worst offensive season since his rookie year in 2013, but his numbers declined in part because he jammed his shoulder in the season’s fifth game. He continued playing in pain, only to hit the injured list in late September. He finished the 60-game season with a .253 batting average and .738 OPS, well below his .299 and .924 marks the previous six seasons.

For the Cardinals, a trade for Arenado would evoke memories of their acquisition of third baseman Scott Rolen from the Phillies in July 2002. Like Rolen, Arenado is an elite defender and accomplished hitter. And like Rolen, he has grown disenchanted with the team that drafted him, prompting talk of a trade.

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The difference is that Rolen rejected a long-term contract from the Phillies as he entered his free-agent year while Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February 2019. The contract was the largest in Rockies history, but Arenado began feuding with general manager Jeff Bridich before his first season under the new deal was complete.

On their way to a 71-win season, the Rockies fell far out of contention in September, with minor-league call-ups seemingly arriving by the day. Arenado grew frustrated with the fate of his team, saying that it “felt like a rebuild.” Bridich shot back, “If we were truly in a rebuild, Nolan Arenado probably wouldn’t be here to make comments like that.”

The disagreement between the two again spilled into public view last January, when Bridich said that he had listened to trade offers for Arenado but decided against moving him. Arenado called Bridich “very disrespectful,” adding, “I never talk trash or anything. I play hard, keep my mouth shut. But I can only get crossed so many times.”

Since then, Arenado and Bridich have quietly avoided each other. The Rockies, however, followed their 71-win season with another disappointing campaign that would have translated to 70 wins over 162 games. They have yet to sign a major-league free agent this offseason while non-tendering outfielder David Dahl and losing him to the Rangers.

A trade of Arenado might signal a push by the Rockies to sign another of their stars, shortstop Trevor Story, to a long-term extension. But Story would not be certain to agree to such a deal when he is a year away from free agency, and he could become a trade candidate as well.

The Athletic’s Nick Groke contributed to this story.

(Photo: Dustin Bradford / Getty Images)

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Ken Rosenthal

Ken Rosenthal is the senior baseball writer for The Athletic who has spent nearly 35 years covering the major leagues. In addition, Ken is a broadcaster and regular contributor to Fox Sports' MLB telecasts. He's also won Emmy Awards in 2015 and 2016 for his TV reporting. Follow Ken on Twitter @Ken_Rosenthal