3 Stud Cardinals Prospects Rockies Should Target in Nolan Arenado Trade Talks

The Colorado Rockies have completely bungled their management of Nolan Arenado in the year since they inked him to a record-breaking eight-year, $260 million contract extension.

With the club contemplating blowing up their roster, and removing the disgruntled piece, Arenado's name has been floated in trade talks of late. The St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers have showed the most enthusiasm in talks thus far.

A generational talent like Arenado would obviously command a haul of a return package, and that got us thinking: which Cards prospects should Colorado pursue?

3. Elehuris Montero

Montero doesn't project to be a superstar, but in terms of a cant-miss prospect who will produce in the middle of a big league lineup, he's your guy (and should be the Rockies'). The 21-year-old was awarded the Class A Midwest League MVP after posting a .322 bating average, .529 SLG, and .910 OPS at age 19. Just imagine the numbers Montero could post with Coors Field's thin air working to his advantage.

2. Matthew Liberatore

Drafted by the Rays (out of high school) with the No.16 overall pick of the 2018 Draft, Liberatore made his way to St. Louis in a trade earlier this month that sent outfielder Jose Martinez to Tampa Bay. The 20-year-old southpaw has been tabbed the Cards' No.3 overall prospect for 2020 after compiling a 6-2 record alongside a 3.10 ERA at Low-A Bowling Green last season.

1. Nolan Gorman

Gorman is St. Louis' No.2 prospect, according to MLB.com, for a reason. He combatted some adversity in his second season in the minor league ranks, but let's keep in mind that the KID is 19 years old, some three or four years younger than the majority of his teammates and opponents. Gorman is an exceptional fielder at third base and is fresh off hitting .255/.306/.426 with 15 home runs, 30 doubles, and 62 RBI. Again, he is only 19 and should be a no-brainer inclusion in Arenado trade discussions.