NEWSLETTER
It’s rare that a rumor sounds backwards but isn’t, and today’s installment mostly just makes me chuckle.
Jon Morosi reported today on MLB Network (SNY) that the Rockies sure would like the Mets to engage them on Nolan Arenado, which is not to be confused with the Mets reportedly being interested in Arenado. I mean, maybe they are, but let’s be clear about this rumor: it’s that the Rockies, who owe Arenado $199 million over the next six years, would like Mr. Moneybags Steve Cohen, the rich new owner of the Mets, to come to their aid by sending a pittance of a trade return for the full Arenado contract. Maybe no one will say as much explicitly, but that’s pretty clearly the size of it.
Morosi indicated that the Rockies don’t want to move Arenado to the Dodgers (because NL West), and might have to take back what’s left on Robison Cano’s contract in order to get a legit return in the deal (Morosi mentioned Brandon Nimmo). That the Rockies would like to move Arenado – and Arenado would like to be moved – is the worst kept secret in the game, so it’s a situation that allows for these kinds of weird, backwards rumors.
There does seem to be a fit there, though, as the Mets could let Jeff McNeil man second base, and then have Arenado installed as the third baseman for this competitive window. They have the core to build around, they have the money, and they have the aggressive owner.
In a dream world, the Cubs could land Arenado in a deal where the money actually makes sense (remember, it’s not like the Cubs don’t want a long-term deal for a star third baseman, it’s just that they (1) don’t want to overpay for it, and (2) don’t have much free capital in 2021)). We’ve talked about how it could work given the reported interest there last year, but it sure seems like a long-shot.
