Report: Nolan Arenado more likely to be traded than Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor

The trade talks surrounding Nolan Arenado are heating up, and suddenly it looks like the Colorado Rockies are leaning toward trading their star third baseman.

The Rockies were believed to be merely answering calls from teams inquiring about Arenado earlier in the offseason, but they are now engaged in discussions. According to Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com, Arenado is more likely to be traded this winter than Mookie Betts or Francisco Lindor.

Morosi reports that the St. Louis Cardinals have been in “preliminary” trade negotiations with the Rockies regarding Arenado, and they have the financial resources to absorb the $234 million remaining on the massive extension Arenado signed with Colorado prior to the 2019 season. Arenado has a full no-trade clause, but he is said to have “deep respect” for the Cardinals organization and is also close friends with St. Louis first baseman Paul Goldschmidt from when the two won a gold medal together on Team USA at the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

If the Cardinals were to give up one or more high-end prospects for Arenado, they would probably want assurances that he won’t opt out of his contract after the 2021 season. They would likely need to add more guaranteed money to his deal in order for that to happen, as Morosi notes that the MLB Players Association does not allow players to give up value in their contract — including an opt-out clause — to help facilitate a trade.

One player St. Louis could include in a trade with the Rockies is Matt Carpenter, who could play at both corner spots in the infield. The 34-year-old is owed $39 million through 2021, which includes the buyout on a club option for 2022.

At least one other team is believed to be pursuing an Arenado trade, so the Rockies may have options. While it is rare for a player to be traded only a year after signing a massive contract, Colorado finished 71-91 last season and may be regretting the deal.