How the 2019 offseason killed the Colorado Rockies-Nolan Arenado relationship

The Colorado Rockies and Nolan Arenado met the media on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the Rockies officially dealt the All-Star third baseman to the St. Louis Cardinals.

It’s clear that the relationship between Arenado and Rockies management has been sour for some time. “Disrespect” was a word used by Arenado just over a year ago, and those feelings had been brewing for some time. Rockies owner Dick Monfort told the media (and general public watching through local television platforms) that Arenado asked for the Rockies to start looking for a trade after the 2019 season. Arenado confirmed in a separate call with Rockies media that the offseason following Colorado’s 71-91 mark was the beginning of the end for him in Denver.

"“I wouldn’t say it was one general conversation, but after the ’19 season, we didn’t really make a move and I guess I didn’t know that was part of the plan,” Arenado told Rox Pile and other media members on Tuesday. “I thought there was a different plan, but it is what it is.”"

While Arenado was clear on Tuesday that he wasn’t blaming anyone for the situations that led to his trade to St. Louis, it’s also clear that inaction on Colorado’s part eventually led to the face of their franchise being shipped off to a National League rival.