The Rockies have just traded one of the top five players in the franchise’s history, one with the argument that it’s actually the best, for one of the lowest returns I’ve ever seen for a player of this magnitude and impact. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are getting a player they didn’t really need – not with the other four NL Central teams actively running in the opposite direction of this winter’s “dispute” – but one that will absolutely help them and address one of the few weaknesses on the list.
Nolan Arenado is one of the best third base defenders in baseball and has been that way since he reached adulthood. He also led the National League in rounds three times and in doubles once. It was worth 32 WARS of Fangraphs, 39 of Baseball-Reference and, in both versions, is the fourth of all time among the Rockies players. He consistently earned five to six wins a year. Without him, the Rockies won’t go anywhere in 2021 … or …