Nolan Arenado Trade Rumors: Yankees Favored, Cubs And Cardinals Involved, Rangers Unlikely

Nolan Arenado is among the few superstars that are in trade rumors with the 2020 MLB season set to start in fewer than two months. Between the Colorado Rockies’ previous attempts to make a trade and the third baseman’s strained relationship with general manager Jeff Bridich, Arenado might very well be wearing a new uniform on Opening Day.

Where could the five-time All-Star be headed? The latest betting odds actually give the New York Yankees the best chance to acquire Arenado.

BetOnline has created odds for Arenado's next destination if he’s traded before the start of the regular season. The Yankees lead the way at +300.

It’s hard to believe New York would make a deal for Arenado, considering they just committed to paying Gerrit Cole $324 million over the next nine years. Arenado has $234 million left on a contract that runs through the 2026 season, though he can opt-out and become a free agent after the 2021 season.

Miguel Andujar would probably have to be at the center of any trade between the Yankees and Rockies, in addition to a package of prospects or promising young players going to Colorado.

The Atlanta Braves have the second-best odds to trade for Arenado at +400. They have been linked to the Rockies’ star in their quest to acquire a third baseman. Josh Donaldson left Atlanta for the Minnesota Twins in free agency.

The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers both have +500 odds to land Arenado.

ESPN’s Jesse Rogers said on ESPN Chicago’s “Kap and Co.” Wednesday that Chicago and Colorado have discussed an Arenado for Kris Bryant swap. The Cubs are reportedly open to trading Bryant, who has two years left on his contract.

The Dodgers have been linked to Bryant in pursuit of a star third baseman. It’s hard to believe the Rockies would trade Arenado to a division rival.

The Texas Rangers have +600 odds in the Nolan Arenado Sweepstakes. MLB Network’s Ken Rosenthal said on “Hot Stove” Wednesday that Texas probably doesn’t have enough to trade for Arenado.

The Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals have +700 odds.

St. Louis has been linked to Arenado as much as any team. It’s been speculated that pitcher Dakota Hudson could be part of a Cardinals’ trade package for Arenado.

Arenado has a full no-trade clause that would allow him to reject any deal. Colorado could very well decide to hold onto its best player or potentially move him closer to the July 31 trade deadline.

Arenado leads all third basemen in batting average (.300), home runs (199), RBI (621), runs (519) and OPS (.937) over the last five seasons.