Nolan Arenado? Rockies GM says “there’s nothing really to discuss”

When it comes to the relationship between Colorado Rockies All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado and general manager Jeff Bridich, there are still plenty of unknowns.

During a conference call with members of the media (including Rox Pile) on Wednesday night following Major League Baseball’s non-tender deadline, Colorado Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich was asked about Nolan Arenado, including the All-Star’s shoulder injury that cut his 2020 season short and if he had had conversations with Arenado since the end of the season.

Here is the exchange:

"Question from reporter: “What can you tell us about Nolan Arenado at this point? First of all, in terms of how his shoulder is coming along and also can you share with us any information about any conversations or communications you’ve had with Nolan over the last couple of months?”Bridich: “My understanding is that his shoulder, much like all of our guys right now, we’re kind of rehabbing and getting healthy from the season, that it’s going well. But otherwise, there’s really nothing to discuss in terms of the second part of your question.”"

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Certainly there is a lot that can be read into that last part of Bridich’s statement. Is it possible that Arenado and Bridich have talked this offseason and the Colorado GM just didn’t want to discuss that on a call that was meant to focus on Colorado’s non-tender moves made earlier in the night, including what appears to be the end of the David Dahl era in Denver?

While that’s a possibility, it’s also likely that Arenado and Bridich have continued their icy relationship that kicked into extreme frost mode just over a year ago when Arenado said he felt “disrespect” from people in the Rockies organization after Bridich acknowledged that he had indeed listened to trade offers for Arenado.

Arenado acknowledged that “29 teams are watching” him (a nod to the trade rumors) before COVID-19 closed down spring training in mid-March and the topic of an Arenado trade has swirled ever since, despite an economic climate that seems to make another team taking on his high-priced contract (that includes an opt-out clause following the 2021 campaign) less likely.

In September, with the Rockies on the brink of playoff elimination despite an expanded field to eight teams, Arenado said, “Eight teams make the playoffs. And if we’re not one of those eight teams, that’s not a very good sign.” As the Rockies limped toward a 26-34 finish after starting 11-3, Arenado continued to wonder aloud about the direction of the franchise, and is likely wondering again after the Rockies non-tendered Dahl, an All-Star with Arenado in 2019.

While Bridich may not be anxious to discuss Arenado and his future with the club, the deafening quiet about the subject continues to be one of the biggest storylines for the Rockies as the team enters into the heart of the offseason.