During the weekend of Game 162, the Colorado Rockies helped the St. Louis Cardinals clinch the NL Central Division by keeping the Milwaukee Brewers at bay. So will they be helping out again only this time with a blockbuster trade?
With the news coming from ESPN’s own Jeff Passan earlier this week, the Cardinals are dead front and center amongst Nolan Arenado trade rumors. The daydreaming quickly began for Cardinals fans (including myself), imagining Arenado in Cardinal gear, repping the birds sitting nicely on a bat.
This isn’t the first rodeo for Cardinals faithful — speculation of Arenado becoming a member of the Lou has been going on for quite some time. For years, to be exact. Ultimately, nothing could ever be settled and the Rockies signed their prized possession for a massive amount of money.
While it is possible they are wanting to move his giant contract to make space for a cost-friendly future, it’s also possible they wouldn’t want to bite down on what the Cards use as bait. (And no, I do not see Matt Carpenter going to Coors.)
Bruce Levine just reported on the radio that the deal discussed between the Cards and Rockies has been:
— FullCountTommy (@FullCountTommy) January 11, 2020
Dakota Hudson, Carlos Martinez, Tyler O'Neill and Matt Liberatore for Nolan Arenado
According to Twitter, Bruce Levine reported a deal with Tyler O’Neill, Dakota Hudson, Carlos Martinez, and newcomer Matthew Liberatore as a package for Nolan Arenado. This remains unconfirmed and rightfully so.
But will it really happen? Could the Cards land Arenado?
Source: #STLCards, #Rockies have had preliminary talks on a Nolan Arenado trade. Latest story: https://t.co/eVzywH9Qiw @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 12, 2020
A source who has spoken to Jon Morosi said the Rockies and Cardinals have engaged in “preliminary” trade negotiations regarding Arenado. The Cardinals are looking to add a star-level type player and Arenado could be their guy. Especially if free-agent Marcell Ozuna does not return. And quite frankly, someone needs to protect Paul Goldschmidt in the line-up and Arenado could get the job done.
While the Cards have the financial resources to afford the $234 million remaining on Arenado’s contract over the next seven years, the third base All-Star could opt out following the 2021 season. Which would leave St. Louis in a sticky-not-so-attractive situation.
Another thing to think about while taking off the rose colored Arenado glasses — he has a full no-trade clause, so even if the trade were to officially begin, Arenado has to give permission to be traded.
Yeah, I know. But before this seems like a pipe dream, it should be noted that Arenado has a deep respect for the Cardinals and is friends with first baseman Goldschmidt.
Follow along @chelseabrooke for all things baseball and my own shenanigans!
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)