MLB Rumors: Nolan Arenado Could Be A Trade Candidate, Despite 2019 Extension With Colorado Rockies

Nolan Arenado was supposed to be one of the most sought-after free agents following the 2019 MLB season. That changed when the Colorado Rockies inked the third basemen to an eight-year, $260 million extension in spring training, seemingly taking him off the market for the foreseeable future.

But less than a year later, there are already rumblings that Arenado could potentially be had for the right price.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Colorado is “gauging interest, assessing trade value.” That doesn’t mean the Rockies will even come close to dealing their best player, but the organization at least appears open to the possibility of a trade.

Why would Colorado even think about trading Arenado so shortly after giving him a new contract? The deal doesn’t actually ensure that the perennial MVP candidate won’t sign elsewhere within the next few seasons.

Arenado can opt-out of his deal after the 2021 season. He’s set to earn a $35 million salary in each of the next five seasons before being paid $32 million in 2025 and $27 million in 2026.

There’s a chance that choosing to hit free agency in two years will be the right financial decision for Arenado.

Anthony Rendon will turn 30 years old in the first half of the 2020 season. He just signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

Arenado will turn 31 years old in the 2021 season. He’ll have six years and $199 million left on his deal if he decides to stay in Colorado.

Rendon had the better season in 2019, but Arenado is arguably the best third baseman in baseball. The Rockies’ star has five straight All-Star appearances and Gold Glove awards. Arenado had a top-eight MVP finish in each of those seasons.

Maybe Arenado would want to explore playing for a team that might give him a better chance to win. The Rockies went 71-91 in 2019 and haven’t made any game-changing signings this offseason. Colorado last won a playoff series in 2007.

Arenado hit .315/.379/583 in 155 games in the 2019 season. He’s hit for at least 37 home runs, 110 RBI and a .898 OPS in five straight years.