Colorado Rockies rumors: Nolan Arenado trade talk to Dodgers is “real”

Could the Colorado Rockies actually trade Nolan Arenado to the Los Angeles Dodgers? One former general manager says it is not only possible, but he is predicting it will happen before Christmas.

On MLB Network radio on Friday morning, former Washington Nationals general manager and current talk show host, writer, and analyst Jim Bowden stated that he had talked to the Los Angeles Dodgers and learned that they have been “engaged” with Colorado Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich about a trade for Colorado All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado.

In the segment, Bowden said that Arenado is planning, following the 2021 season, to opt out of the eight-year, $260 million contract he signed with the Rockies prior to the 2019 campaign. Part of that contract included an opt-out after the 2021 season and it has been widely speculated that Arenado would take that out clause, especially after his relationship with Bridich turned extremely icy last offseason.

“The Rockies have serious financial issues after the pandemic and the trade talks between the Rockies and Dodgers are real,” Bowden said in the segment which you can hear in its entirety below.

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Bowden added that he believes the deal with the Dodgers could very well happen if Arenado is willing to get rid of the opt-out clause and commit to staying with the Dodgers for a long period. The opt-out clause in 2021 and the financial possibilities to pay Arenado in an economy ravaged by COVID-19 have been long thought to be the biggest hurdles to a trade happening.

However, knowing that Arenado grew up in southern California and was a fan of the Dodgers growing up, a restructuring of his contract is a possibility to not only play for the team he rooted for when he was young, but also a team that would give Arenado the chance to compete for a championship, something he has longed for since making his MLB debut with Colorado in 2013.

Certainly having Arenado traded to the Dodgers would be a worst-case scenario for Rockies fans. Not only would they lose their Gold and Platinum Glove-winning third baseman, but they would also lose him to a team that is well positioned to keep the Rockies from grabbing a division title once again in 2021 and beyond.

Expect there to be plenty of trade rumors involving Arenado this offseason. We will keep up with them and keep you updated with the latest news and speculation.