MLB Insider Confirms Cardinals and Rockies Have Exchanged Names in Nolan Arenado Trade Talks
By Karl Rasmussen
The Colorado Rockies, despite only having extended Nolan Arenado on a mega contract last season, are already looking to offload the star third baseman. One team that has emerged as a frontrunner in the sweepstakes for the 28-year-old; the St. Louis Cardinals.
Well, per Jon Morosi, names have indeed been exchanged between the two teams as they explore the possibility of a deal, and as expected, the Rockies have interested in some valuable young assets from within St. Louis' farm.
Source: #STLCards, #Rockies have exchanged names in Nolan Arenado trade negotiations. Story: https://t.co/BBXP3YHtDT @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 14, 2020
The Rockies have expressed interest in starting pitcher Dakota Hudson as well as one of the Cards' top prospects, namely Dylan Carson, Nolan Gorman, Matthew Liberatore, or Andrew Knizer.
Matt Carpenter has been rumored to be a possible piece in the deal as well, though he reportedly is under no-trade protection, per Derrick Goold.
Matt Carpenter has no-trade protection today. Period. It’s from his extension, starting at end of 2019 season. And it’s in place now. I triple-checked my reporting from November and confirmed it again today with official.
— Derrick S. Goold (@dgoold) January 13, 2020
Hope this information helps.#cardinals #stlcards #MLB https://t.co/0p405RtfFG
One point of contention in the deal is naturally Arenado's ability to opt out of his contract after the 2021 season. Morosi reports the Cardinals are aiming to convince Arenado to eliminate that clause in his contract, even if it means offering him more guaranteed money.