Cardinals acquire Nolan Arenado from Rockies (Update on page 10)
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Cardinals acquire Nolan Arenado from Rockies (Update on page 10)
https://theathletic.com/2353214/2021/01 ... ado-trade/
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.
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 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.
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 Feb. 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 could become a trade candidate as well.
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.
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 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.
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 Feb. 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 could become a trade candidate as well.
Last edited by Magneto2.0 on January 29 21, 8:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Cardinals/Rockies in talks about Arenado trade
Do it Mo. Do it now.
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Re: Cardinals/Rockies in talks about Arenado trade
Huge if true.
Anyone want to speculate on the hypothetical package?
If they take all the money I dont think it would be that much. At least I hope not in this market
Anyone want to speculate on the hypothetical package?
If they take all the money I dont think it would be that much. At least I hope not in this market
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Re: Cardinals/Rockies in talks about Arenado trade
I will miss Matt Carpenter’s bus. Well the 2016ish version of the bus.
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Re: Cardinals/Rockies in talks about Arenado trade
Yeah I think the package all depends on what the Rockies are most interested in. I feel like we could accomplish this without really damaging out farm system.
- CardsofSTL
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Re: Cardinals/Rockies in talks about Arenado trade
I feel like we've been fed this porridge before. I'd love to see it happen but I really don't think it will.
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Re: Cardinals/Rockies in talks about Arenado trade
Arenado is no doubt a stud.
But his stats away from Coors aren’t as impressive. And he’s older and only getting older. And which prospects go?
If they want Gorman then hang up the phone.
But his stats away from Coors aren’t as impressive. And he’s older and only getting older. And which prospects go?
If they want Gorman then hang up the phone.
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Re: Cardinals/Rockies in talks about Arenado trade
Not falling for this again.
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Re: Cardinals/Rockies in talks about Arenado trade
I didn’t realize it was this time of the year already?