"What Mets should've done with Robinson Cano" - MLB analyst claims Nolan Arenado trade shouldn't involve prospects to reduce Cardinals star's salary
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly willing to trade away their superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado this offseason as they look to rebuild in 2025. The New York Mets are regarded as one of the suitors looking to land the eight-time All-Star, as they have are looking to bolster their corner infield options for next season.
MLB analyst feels Anthony Di Como feels that Nolan Arenado would be a good fit for the New York Mets. but they shouldn't be willing to give up any of their prospects to lower his wages.
DiComo, a Mets beat writer, offered his perspective on the situation on SNY on Wednesday.
"It's still a solid starting third baseman in the league. The problem is, of course, the salary, which is why the Cardinals want to get rid of him," Di Como said. "If I'm the Mets, I'm happy to take on that salary. Have him play third base. A huge defensive upgrade for you can (then) move Mark Vientos to first base. But I'm not giving up a prospect to do that.
"It's sort of similar to what the Mets should have done with Robinson Cano all those years ago," he continued. "You take on that money so that you don't have to give up a prospect."
The New York Mets had traded away Jay Bruce, Jarred Kelenic, Anthony Swarzak, Gerson Bautista and Justin Dunn to sign Robinson Cano and reliever Edwin Diaz at the end of the 2018 campaign.
"Nolan Arenado is still an elite defender": Anthony Di Como
Nolan Arenado made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies in 2013 and has won five Silver Slugger Awards along with 10 straight Gold Gloves at third base. He agreed an eight-year, $260 million extension six years later before he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021.
"He's still an elite defender," Di Como said. "He's not that old in baseball years, so you could see him remaining an elite defender for a time to come.
"The problem is, of course, offensively. I'm not going to call him a slap hitter, but he does not hit for the power that he used to. He's still got great plate discipline. He will give you a good at-bat."
Nolan Arenado has three years and $74 million remaining on his contract.