Colorado Rockies Trading Nolan Arenado To Atlanta Braves?
Are the Colorado Rockies trading Nolan Arenado to the Atlanta Braves?
On Tuesday evening Josh Donaldson announced that he would be signing a $92 million deal with the Minnesota Twins.
The decision left a gaping hole in Atlanta’s line-up that will need to be filled as soon as possible.
One possibility? Arenado.
Last year Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies.
“The Cardinals do have the right mix of pieces, I believe, to potentially entice the Rockies to make this deal.”@jonmorosi breaks down the latest in the Nolan Arenado sweepstakes on #MLBNHotStove. pic.twitter.com/TJa2hGHuqP
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 14, 2020
Unfortunately, things have taken a turn for the worse since then and both sides seem to looking for an eject button.
Colorado has engaged the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers in conversations regarding Arenado over the past week, but the Braves suddenly need to make a deal happen more than either of those organizations.
Arenado is one of the brightest young stars in baseball today. With his top-tier defense and consistent bat, the 28-year-old would instantly upgrade Atlanta’s roster.
Over the past five seasons Arenado is the lone player to participate in at least 150 games with an OPS+ of 120 or better. Sure, he is owed a lot of money and has an opt clause after 2021 – but that is the risk you take when you swing for the fences on an acquisition.
Arenado would immediately fill the hole left behind by Donaldson, and Atlanta has enough interesting pitching to help the Rockies get a good return on the deal.
Between Bryse Wilson, Ian Anderson and Kyle Wright the Braves can put together quite an attractive package.
It is becoming increasingly clear that Arenado and the Rockies are heading for a divorce. Which team will step up and benefit from it? Time will tell.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
