Nolan Arenado has one year of team control remaining with the Colorado Rockies before he heads for a massive contract in free agency, and there has been some talk that the team could trade him before then. If that does happen, it is unlikely it will be this winter.
Andy Martino of SNY.tv reported last week that the New York Yankees have internally discussed the possibility of trading for Arenado at some point between now and during the upcoming season. One source told Martino that the Yankees have likely already spoken with the Rockies about a potential deal.
However, Matthew Cerrone of SNY’s MetsBlog.com has heard that the Rockies are not serious about trading Arenado and are merely trying to get a feel for what his value will be when he becomes a free agent.
#RivalSource: #Rockies aren't serious about trading Nolan Arenado.They're mostly feeling out offers to set a value set for long-term contract talks, while also laying ground work for a possible summer trade.
Sorry, #Yankees. Colorado thinks they can win the NL West in 2019. pic.twitter.com/cgwgufsMZU
— Matthew Cerrone (@matthewcerrone) January 23, 2019
Arenado will turn 28 in April, so he is still very much in his prime. The four-time All-Star has averaged 39.5 home runs, 126 RBI and an OPS of .931 over the past four seasons. One line of thinking is that some teams who are passing on Manny Machado might prefer to sign Arenado next offseason, and that could be why the Yankees are seemingly not showing much urgency to sign Machado.
If the Rockies decide they can’t keep Arenado and won’t be able to afford to re-sign him, a trade with the Yankees makes sense. New York has an up-and-coming third baseman that would be a much cheaper option, and there is a belief that they are looking to trade him.
