Colorado Rockies: Our prediction on when and if Nolan Arenado is traded

Feb 19, 2020; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) stands for a portrait on media day during spring training at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2020; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) stands for a portrait on media day during spring training at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies
Aug 4, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) is unable to field the ball in the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

How about some other reasons? Well, to start, there’s the pandemic. With many teams looking to cut costs after a 2020 season where there were no fans in stands during the regular season, there simply aren’t a high number of available suitors willing to invest that kind of cash, especially with the start of the 2021 season still up in the air as Americans are just starting to have a COVID-19 vaccine become available.

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As part of the eight-year, $260 million contract that Arenado signed before the 2019 season, Arenado is due $35 million this season and every campaign through 2024. In an uncertain economic time, even with Arenado’s generational talents at third base, that’s a high price for another team to pay to have him wear their uniform.

There’s also the fact that Arenado is coming off his worst statistical season of his career at the plate. After a shoulder injury suffered in the second series of the campaign, Arenado never found his rhythm at the plate, slashing .253/.303/.434.

The timing of Arenado’s injury and dip in offensive production will likely raise eyebrows in any potential suitor inner circles. In a tough economic climate and with Arenado last seen on the diamond at less than full strength, will trade partners give the Rockies fair value? Likely not, further putting the breaks on any trade possibilities this winter.

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