As the Colorado Rockies continue to explore the market for a potential trade of All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado, the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs have emerged as potential fits for a blockbuster deal.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Cubs and Cardinals have stood out as two teams that could offer what the Rockies are seeking and have the financial and roster resources to make a deal happen.
In Chicago’s case, a fit would only work if it traded Kris Bryant. The 28-year-old third baseman is a star in his right, but is under contract for just two more seasons and filed a grievance against the organization for manipulating his service time as a rookie. If Bryant wins his grievance, he’d potentially be under contract for only one more season.
If the Cubs traded Bryant, the front office could then reportedly consider a trade package centering on All-Star catcher Willson Contreras with additional MLB pieces going to Colorado. As a result, the Cubs would fill the new hole at third base with another star player.
The Cardinals are viewed as a club with the talent that could interest Colorado in a deal. St. Louis could reportedly send outfielder Dexter Fowler, who played with the Rockies for six seasons, to help cover some of the financial cost and include additional talent.
Arenado, a five-time All-Star ad seven-time Gold Glove Award recipient, posted a .315/.379/.583 slash line with 41 home runs and a .962 OPS. The 28-year-old also played in 155-plus games for the fourth consecutive season.
He is under contract on an eight-year, $260 million extension he signed in February 2019, though it contains a player opt-out clause following the 2021 season.