MLB Trade Rumors: Rockies Exploring Options With Mets For Third Baseman

KEY POINTS

The Colorado Rockies are looking to shop Nolan Arenado for financial flexibility
The New York Mets could explore options with the Rockies for Arenado
Arenado's worth could be something MLB teams may pass up on

The MLB offseason saga continues to be interesting as the Colorado Rockies have Nolan Arenado on their radar.

Aware of the big money involved with the 29-year-old third baseman, the New York Mets loom as the sensible trade partner if they are interested.

The Rockies are hoping to work something out with the Mets for Arenado according to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network via SNY.

Arenado has hit .299/.367/.554 (125 OPS+) with 87 home runs the last three seasons. Aside from that, he has also won the Gold Glove Award in each of those years.

One of the talented players in the MLB right now, the Rockies are more concerned about the financial ramifications. He is due to make $35 million in 2021 after which he can opt-out.

Should Arenado choose to stay, he will be owed $164 million throughout 2026. Given that scenario, the Rockies will be obligated to the player from Newport Beach, California.

It also means Colorado would have limited flexibility as far as using that amount somewhere else, CBS Sports reported.

The Mets are in a better financial position to manage Arenado and his financial requirements. Club owner Steven Cohen has more than enough money to take the five-time All-Star in.

Further, the Mets are also looking for marquee players who can help their cause. They have been linked to several free agents such as George Springer and Francisco Lindor of Cleveland.

Hence, a deal between the Mets and the Rockies make sense. But the level of interest by Cohen remains unknown.

Finally, the Rockies are careful on who to deal Arenado to. Though they want to free up some salary space to sign Trevor Story, Colorado does not want to send him to the Los Angeles Dodgers. They prefer to transfer him to any team that is not in the NL West.

If the Mets show interest, the next question is who the Rockies may get in return. Players that could be part of the deal are Robinson Cano to offset the large money involved.

Aside from him, Brandon Nimmo and a prospect could also be part of the deal.