MLB insider raises red flags over Nolan Arenado's recent career choices
The Houston Astros signed a three-year, $60 million free agent deal with Christian Walker on Friday after Nolan Arenado had exercised a no-trade clause on his contract. Arenado blocked a trade move from the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this week leading to a lot of discussion.
However, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal has raised concerns about the decision from Nolan Arenado. He believes that the number of potential suitors for the eight-time All-Star third baseman is diminishing and he may not necessarily get his desired move in this off-season. Rosenthal said Arenado could end up regretting his choice if he remains with the St. Louis Cardinals at the start of next season.
Ken Rosenthal offered his perspective on the decision from Nolan Arneado during the "Foul Territory" podcast on Friday evening.
"I understand it. If you've got other places in mind, you've got the no-trade clause; you can effectively determine your destination. That's fine, but teams are not going to necessarily wait for you, and the Astros clearly didn't wait for him. The options now are diminished.
"He took that risk, and now he's going to have to deal with the consequences," Rosenthal added. "The problem is, let's say, the teams that he wants to go to don't want him. Maybe they go in other directions, or they have other players that they want to use in those spots. Then it's looking like he might end up back in St. Louis, which is not what he wants; it's not what the team wants. It'd not be a good outcome." (13:22)
Arenado is a three-time home run leader in the National League, but his slugging numbers have dropped dramatically over the past couple of years. He only managed 16 home runs this season despite playing more than 150 games.
Ken Rosenthal foresees further difficulties in attempts to trade Nolan Arenado
Nolan Arenado had signed an eight-year, $260 million contract extension with the Colorado Rockies before getting traded to the St. Louis Cardinals at the start of the 2021 season. On the other hand, Houston had a big vacancy to fill after losing long-time third baseman Alex Bregman to free agency at the end of the season.
Ken Rosenthal feels the Cardinals would have saved over $40 million if Nolan Arenado had agreed to the trade move to join the Astros. He believes the chances of landing a similarly attractive deal for the superstar third baseman are now looking slim.
"That was a 40-something million dollar saving, and it's not going to happen now," Rosenthal said. "At least not with the Astros. Now can they get that deal with another team? We'll see. There's not as much leverage, not as many opportunities now."
Nolan Arenado is widely regarded as the best third baseman of his generation, with five Silver Slugger and 10 Gold Glove awards in his career.