MLB Trade Rumors: Braves To Explore Nolan Arenado Trade If They Can't Get Josh Donaldson

The Atlanta Braves are one of several teams interested in free agent third baseman Josh Donaldson but will consider a trade for Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies should their pursuit of the free agent fails.

MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi reports that the Braves have already been in contact with the Rockies over such a trade. However, any potential trade involving the two teams over Arenado will hinge on whether or not the Braves can re-sign Donaldson.

The 34-year-old smashed 34 big flies and drove in 94 runs en route to helping Atlanta to their second consecutive NL East title. While the Braves have been busy this off-season, they have not yet found a suitable hitter to bat fourth in the lineup, a crucial need for any playoff contender.

That’s in addition to their need for a body at the hot corner. Divisional rivals and defending World Series champions Washington Nationals are also in the market for a third baseman after seeing Anthony Rendon depart and sign a mammoth contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

The Nats are considered favorites for Donaldson as they have a great need at third plus they would have allotted 2020 salary to at least trying to land Rendon. That means they are the likeliest to offer the four-year contract that Donaldson wants.

If and when the Braves’ pursuit of Donaldson fails, they have every potential to land Nolan Arenado. Colorado and Atlanta have complimentary needs and surpluses; the Rockies want high-end prospects at pitcher, catcher and center field and have a third baseman to trade while the Braves have matching players in their farm system but no major league third baseman.

One potential hiccup would be salary. Arenado has seven years and $234 million remaining on his contract although he does have an opt-out clause which takes effect after the 2021 season. Meanwhile, as per ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Rockies are in no rush to sell their star and will wait for an appealing offer.

Finally, the Braves could turn elsewhere in the trade market to fill their need at the hot corner. The Chicago Cubs and Kris Bryant are embattled in a grievance case over service time. Bryant claims the team deliberately kept him in the minor for the first two weeks of the 2015 season to gain an extra season of team control.

Should the player win, he could walk as a free agent after next season while should the team win he would be under control until 2021. The Cubs are willing to deal, but any suitor will wait until this dispute is resolved.