Report: Rockies could look to trade Nolan Arenado to Cubs or Cardinals

There is still a chance that the Colorado Rockies could trade Nolan Arenado before the start of the regular season, and there are two teams they might be hoping become interested in their star third baseman.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Rockies are “intrigued” by the possibility of trading Arenado to the Chicago Cubs or St. Louis Cardinals. Both teams have the major league ready return the Rockies are pursuing, and the Cardinals in particular have the payroll to make it work.

The Cubs, meanwhile, are looking to restructure their roster. Passan notes the possibility of the Cubs trading a player like Willson Contreras as part of an Arenado deal, then trading Kris Bryant in a big to refurbish their farm system. While this scenario does not appear to have been seriously discussed, it makes sense for both sides.

Passan notes that the Rockies have discussed Arenado with the Braves, but talks have not progressed. The Nationals also have a need at third base, but have not seriously pursued Arenado, possibly because the asking price is simply too high for their liking.

What is clear, however, is that the Rockies are definitely still interested in trading Arenado. He’s a superstar with a .295 career average and three 40 homer seasons who plays elite defense and is only 28. It’s easy to see why the Rockies would want a ton in return for him.