The Nolan Arenado saga reached a resolution as the Colorado Rockies agreed to trade their franchise cornerstone to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Per multiple reports, the Rockies are including $50 million to help cover a portion of the remaining six years and $199 million on Arenado’s contract. He reportedly waived a full no-trade clause in exchange for one year and $15 million being added to the contract.
Arenado still will retain a no-trade clause that can be exercised after this season, and another following the 2022 campaign.
For now the trade signals an end to persistent rumors the Newport Beach, Calif., native would eventually force his way from Coors Field to Dodger Stadium. That always appeared to be an unlikely outcome, however, and according to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports, the Rockies remained steadfast in their refusal to deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers:
#Dodgers fans continuing to ask “Why not us?” #Rockies made it clear over the last year they would not trade Nolan Arenado to L.A.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) January 30, 2021
In December 2019 it was reported the Dodgers did not believe the Rockies were willing to work with them on an Arenado trade. One month later it was said Colorado indeed remained against the idea of trading Arenado to the Dodgers.
That didn’t deter L.A. from interest late last year when it became apparent the five-time All-Star was being shopped once again. However, that was followed by a report that the Rockies were more inclined to deal with the New York Mets than Dodgers.
Amid their long held interest in Arenado, the Dodgers have still received plenty of production at third base in Justin Turner. He’s a free agent for the second time since initially joining the organization, and the expectation is the Dodgers will re-sign Turner.
Roberts saw ‘nice deal’ for Arenado, Rockies
Arguably the Dodgers’ best chance at acquiring Arenado was approaching two years ago when he was due to become a free agent after the 2019 season. However, in March of that year he signed an eight-year contract extension.
“He’s a heck of a player and obviously they wanted to keep a homegrown player with them,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said at the time. “It’s a nice deal for him, nice deal for the team so it’s good for the game and makes our job a lot tougher.”
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