MLB Trade Rumors: Cardinals, Rangers Are Top Nolan Arenado Suitors, White Sox A Dark-Horse Candidate

The Colorado Rockies and Nolan Arenado are at a crossroads. The team seemed prepared to walk away from trade talks involving the third baseman, but Arenado’s public discontent with the organization could change things.

Even though Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension before the 2019 MLB season, an opt-out clause gives him the ability to become a free agent after the 2021 World Series. If the Rockies fear that the superstar will walk in two years, trading him in 2020 when he still has plenty of value might make the most sense.

Just look at the Boston Red Sox and Mookie Betts. The team has been unable to get a fair offer for the outfielder because he’s only signed for one more year.

If Colorado moves forward in trying to trade its best player, the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers will be among the top suitors. According to MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi, both teams are looking to acquire a hitter that will fit in the middle of their order.

St. Louis wants to pair another elite slugger alongside Paul Goldschmidt. Arenado is a logical target for Texas, who pursued Anthony Rendon in free agency.

The Atlanta Braves have been linked to Arenado. The NL East champions might be less likely to make a competitive offer to Colorado now that they’ve signed Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $18 million contract.

If a dark-horse candidate for Arenado is going to emerge, it might be the Chicago White Sox. According to Morosi, Chicago is often “mentioned by people in the industry” as a potential Arenado suitor.

The White Sox have spent big money this offseason, looking to end a string of seven consecutive losing seasons. Chicago has signed catcher Yasmani Grandal (four years, $73 million), DH Edwin Encarnacion (one year, $12 million) and pitcher Dallas Keuchel (three years, $55.5 million) in free agency. The team also re-signed first baseman Jose Abreu for three years and $50 million.

Arenado has a full no-trade clause that would allow him to reject any deal.