3 Reasons Nolan Arenado Drama is Entirely the Rockies' Fault
By Mark Powell
The Rockies may claim Nolan Arenado is off the market, but the slugger's comments suggest the exact opposite. Arenado feels disrespected, and he has every right to think that way given how the franchise has treated him since signing him to an eight-year, $260 million contract last offseason.
The Rockies have no one to blame but themselves for the mess they currently find themselves in.
3. Extending Arenado in First Place
Seriously, why sign Arenado to a massive deal in the first place if the plan isn't to contend. Rather, the Rockies gave Arenado a massive sum of hush money while they took several steps back last season, and their star third baseman put up incredible numbers in meaningless baseball games. It makes no sense, especially with a looming opt out in a few seasons. It's almost as if they expected to shop him entering his age-29 campaign.
2. Lack of Big Moves
The Rockies largest move the offseason after finishing a disappointing 71-91 is, uh, a three-year contract extension for Scott Oberg. That's it, we looked it up! No star wants to take part in a rebuild, even if management suggests it's an abbreviated one. Arenado signed up long-term in hopes of competing in the near future. Instead, the Rockies continue to push him away.
1. Why Comment on Trade Rumors?
The minute Jeff Bridich went public, he opened a can of worms that the Rockies are still struggling to contain. Bridich should've know the discontent of his young star, instead choosing to address this one-on-one, rather than discuss the trade rumors with the media at all. If Arenado felt disrespected before, this only doubled down on that emotion.