Here’s what a Cardinals-Rockies trade for Nolan Arenado could look like

The St. Louis Cardinals may be ready to go all-in to get Nolan Arenado, and here’s how a deal to get the Rockies’ All-Star third baseman might look.

The St. Louis Cardinals’ possible interest in Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado is not new, even as they’ve more recently fallen to the background among possible suitors. But according to Ken Rosenthal and Nick Groke of The Athletic, the Cardinals are Rockies are once again in talks about the eight-time Gold Glover.

Arenado has made his unhappiness in Colorado, and with GM Jeff Bridich in particular, clear. He signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February of 2019, with the obvious idea an effort to win would be made. But the organization hasn’t made follow-up moves, and with the rise of the San Diego Padres competing in the NL West has gotten even tougher.

Arenado won his eighth straight Gold Glove in 2020, but his offensive numbers dropped off (.253/.303/.434 slash-line, eight home runs, 26 RBI, 76 wRC+, 84 OPS+). A shoulder injury was probably a factor, so a rebound feels likely in 2021 if he’s healthy.

There is the small matter of Arenado’s contract. He’s due $199 million over the next six seasons, with an opt-out after the 2021 campaign and a no-trade clause. Rosenthal and Groke added he’d “likely” waive the no-trade for a move to the Cardinals, and he might be willing to move back the opt-out provision to facilitate a deal.

The Cardinals have re-signed Adam Wainwright, but otherwise they haven’t really been active this offseason and certainly haven’t seemed likely to make any big moves. They were a possible suitor for Francisco Lindor though, and a deal for Arenado would look very similar.

How the Cardinals can get Nolan Arenado

The Cardinals would surely like to send some salary back to the Rockies in a deal for Arenado, along with prospects of course.

The Cardinals have three top-40 prospects in the MLB.com’s fresh 2021 rankings, but I don’t see them parting with outfielder Dylan Carlson (No. 13), pitcher Matthew Liberatore (No. 37) or third baseman Nolan Gorman (No. 38) too easily.

That said, three of their top eight prospects at midseason last year are third baseman. So maybe they part with Gorman to go all-in. Carpenter is included purely as a salary match/offload ($18.5 million for 2021, at least a $2 million buyout of a $12 million 2022 option). Outfielder Dexter Fowler could also fit that bill as a salary to send back to Colorado. Rondon was a top-15 prospect in the Cardinals’ system last year. If it takes attaching a third, lesser prospect to get Arenado, the Cardinals might be willing to do it. The NL Central is there for the taking this year if they want it.