5 potential landing spots for Nolan Arenado via trade

In January of 2020 - which feels like a lifetime ago, but is a period we aren't that far removed from - Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com reported the the Cardinals had "preliminary" trade talks with the Rockies regarding Arenado. Three-time All-Star Matt Carpenter was the Cardinals' primary third baseman in 2020, but hit just .186, perhaps making clearer to the team how strong of a fit they are for Arenado. Tommy Edman could take over the bulk of starts at the position in 2020, but he may also be needed at second base after the team's decision to decline Kolten Wong's option for 2021. While top overall prospect Dylan Carlson isn't going anywhere, the Cardinals could have some pieces of interest to the Rockies. Edman, just 25, could be someone the Rockies ask for, as could third baseman Nolan Gorman and lefty Matthew Liberatore, both of whom MLB Pipeline ranks as top 60 prospects in baseball.

Arenado broke into the league in 2013. Since then, the Dodgers have won eight-consecutive National League West titles, preventing Arenado and the Rockies from ever doing so. After watching them win a World Series, it would only be natural for Arenado, who went to high school in Orange County, to be willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to the Dodgers. Such a trade, though, seems less than likely. First of all, the Rockies probably don't want to trade a franchise icon to a division rival. Secondly, the Dodgers probably won't want to take on another megadeal after signing Mookie Betts to a 12-year/$365 million extension. The most likely outcome is that the Dodgers will re-sign Justin Turner to play third base, and Arenado will be traded out of the National League West. Still, it stands to reason that Arenado may like to go to Los Angeles, and considering he possesses a no-trade clause and an opt-out, he may have some say over where he ends up.

In consecutive offseasons, the Nationals lost Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon. They were able to overcome the loss of Harper in 2019 and win the World Series because Juan Soto emerged as one of the game's young superstars. They didn't have that same type of success in replacing Rendon, as Carter Kieboom, a former top prospect, hit just .202 with zero home runs in 2020. Kieboom is still only 23 and played in just 33 games in 2020, so it's too early to write him off. However, the Nationals need another star in their lineup to alleviate pressure on Soto and Trea Turner. Arenado would seemingly fit that bill. Kieboom could be part of a return going back to Colorado, or he could compete for time at second base.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has reportedly lost north of 30 pounds this offseason, so the plan now is for him to shift back to the hot corner in 2021. However, he may be willing to stick at first base for a while if the Blue Jays - who attempting to keep pace with the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees in the American League East - have the chance to acquire Arenado. Top prospect Nate Pearson, one of the sport's most touted young arms, isn't going anywhere. Austin Martin, selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, probably isn't either. It would be interesting to see if general manager Ross Atkins could build a trade package around shortstop Jordan Groshans and righty Simeon Woods Richardson. What we also don't know is if Arenado would waive his no-trade clause, and potentially push back his opt-out to join the Blue Jays. Seemingly the team has a bright future, but they're stuck in the same division as the Rays, Yankees and Boston Red Sox, so perennial success is hardly a guarantee.

Welcome to the Steve Cohen era, where the Mets will be tied to every noteworthy star that could become available. This one isn't a stretch, though, as the Mets have a need at the position. What makes the Mets so intriguing as a trade partner is that depending upon what other moves they make this winter, so many of their major league pieces - Andres Gimenez, Amed Rosario, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, Dom Smith etc. - could become trade candidates. That doesn't mean that all will ultimately be on the table in discussions, but the Mets could present a return to the Rockies at least partially built around players that have already been productive at the major league level. Though Arenado may prefer to go to an organization that's had more stability in the last decade, Cohen may be able to sell Arenado on waiving his no-trade clause to help return the Mets to being the Amazins.