Trade rumors surrounding Colorado Rockies’ superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado are escalating.
The idea of trading Arenado was once considered a pipe dream, but this offseason has been littered with rumors and speculation about Arenado’s future which have intensified as the days have passed.
MLB Network reporter Jon Morosi has covered the Arenado story all offseason and reported Monday morning that a trade involving Arenado is now more likely than a deal for American League sluggers Mookie Betts and Francisco Lindor.
Morosi’s reports come off the heels of his MLB.com story, which details the St. Louis Cardinals’ interest in trading for Arenado. Morosi reports the two teams have engaged in “preliminary” discussions about a deal for Arenado. He also adds that the Cardinals are looking to add a star player by Spring Training.
The Cardinals recently made headlines when they traded power bat Jose Martinez to the Tampa Bay Rays for a package that included top pitching prospect Matt Liberatore. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale acknowledged Liberatore, “is the type of prospect the #Rockies would demand in a trade package for Nolan Arenado.”
National media members have stirred the pot this offseason regarding the situation with Arenade, and there has yet to be any concrete reporting to suggest the superstar third baseman would like to be traded.
It’s not unimaginable to think Arenado would welcome the idea of trade should one present itself. In the end, Arenado has all the control given his full no-trade clause.
That said, Morosi is a credible national source, and other reporters like Nightengale and Ken Rosenthal have discussed the topic at large this offseason, which legitimizes the speculation.
Local reporters do not believe Arenado will be traded, as MLB.com’s Thomas Harding stated on twitter.
I am trying to chill for a few days, although I may come by for the tweets. But on #Rockies/Arenado:
My thoughts last week may be old news, but nothing has changed. I don't believe they will or should trade, regardless what anyone thinks… https://t.co/8dl56r1gCn— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) January 13, 2020
The entire situation has been perplexing, and it has left Rockies’ fans in a state of disarray as Spring Training approaches. Overall, it appears the talk involving Arenado is merely speculative; however, a deal can come together quickly if the two parties involved are motivated.
For a full breakdown of the situation involving Arenado, click here.