Trade talks involving Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado are finally picking up and the Atlanta Braves appear to be in the mix.
This is the one we’ve all been waiting for, the move that could potentially put the Braves over the top and make them serious World Series contenders.
We’ve been talking all offseason about the possibility of the Atlanta Braves trading for Nolan Arenado as he’s obviously the most impactful bat available who also fills a position of need for the Braves at third base.
Of course, when we’ve mentioned him we’ve always stated that any kind of deal seems next to impossible considering Arenado’s hefty contract and Alex Anthopoulos’ unwillingness to part with any top prospects.
Ken Rosenthal posted an article on The Athletic (paid subscription) Thursday night indicating that trade talks involving Arenado were heating up — particularly between the Rockies and Cardinals.
But in that report, he also mentioned that the Braves had shown interest as well but “made no progress towards a deal.”
However, later Tuesday night, Patrick Saunders — beat reporter of the Rockies for the Denver Post — tweeted this.
Sources tell me that #Rockies-Cardinals trade for Nolan Arenado is "not as close" as has been reported But #Braves are interested, too.
— Patrick Saunders (@psaundersdp) January 29, 2021
That sounds a little more promising as a Braves fan that perhaps conversations between Atlanta and Colorado are still happening, and that nothing is close to happening with the Cardinals.
Of course, these things can change quickly. But at least it sounds like talks for Arenado are picking up.
What would a trade like this cost the Atlanta Braves?
This is also something we’ve talked about at length this offseason, and Alan wrote a great detailed post in December on a possible package, which I think still makes sense and should work for Colorado.
For me, as long as the Braves aren’t giving up anyone named Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, Freddie Freeman, or Mike Soroka I’m good.
I would consider moving just about anyone else in a possible trade for Arenado — I think he’s that much of a game-changer both at the plate and in the field.
Somebody on Twitter commented that the next six years of Cristian Pache would be greater than the next six years of Arenado — I’ll gladly take that bet. But I also think you can get this deal done and keep Pache.
There is some concern about Arenado’s splits away from Coors Field. His OPS is nearly 200 points higher at home than on the road. But still, if you just take his road numbers he’s an above-average player with an .800 OPS to go along with Gold Glove defense.
My only question with trading for Arenado is that if you’re willing to give up the prospects and pay the money for him, why wouldn’t you do it for Jose Ramirez?
Of course, it takes two to tango, and perhaps the Cleveland Indians just aren’t that keen on moving J-Ram. But he can give you similar production at the plate for a fraction of the cost.
Either way, Arenado is the all-in kind of move I’ve been waiting on AA and the Braves to make. I remain highly skeptical, but let’s see if he can get it done and set this team up to win a World Series.