This Cubs-Rockies Trade for Nolan Arenado Could Actually Work

The Chicago Cubs are having a very uncharacteristic offseason. After winning the World Series back in 2016, the Cubbies have regularly been in the market for top-tier free agents and weren't afraid to dish out the big bucks.

Yet, the Cubs have spent a grand total of $0 this winter, with the team supposedly looking to rebuild and get rid of star players like Kris Bryant.

But what if Chicago were to shock the world and acquire Bryant's replacement in Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies?

After an original report by Jon Morosi, ESPN's Jeff Passan said the Rockies have been intrigued by the Cubs as a potential landing spot for Arenado.

While the Cubs don't have the most depth in their farm system, they still have the pieces to facilitate a potential deal.

Cubs-Rockies Potential Nolan Arenado Trade

Cubs Get: 3B Nolan Arenado

Rockies Get: SS Nico Hoerner, LHP Brailyn Marquez, RHP Ryan Jensen

Given that Arenado's current contract contains an opt-out clause following the 2021 season, Colorado can't get two of the top three prospects in the Cubs' farm system. However, they would get infielder and No. 1 prospect Nico Hoerner.

The 22-year-old has shown the ability to put the bat on the ball, and possesses sneaky power. In Double-A last season, Hoerner posted a .284 batting average with a .743 OPS, 3 home runs and 22 RBI. Hoerner would immediately fill the infield void left by Arenado.

It's no secret that the Rockies need to get some arms for their future starting rotation. Enter Brailyn Marquez and Ryan Jensen, both of whom are the top pitching prospects in Chicago's pipeline.

If the Chicago Cubs are looking to get strong trade package in return for Kris Bryant in the near future, they can afford to get Nolan Arenado, who's an instant upgrade at third base.