Texas Rangers: Nolan Arenado Trade Saga, Player Feels “Disrespected”

The Nolan Arenado-trade market saga took some unexpected turns Monday night that could leave the door open for the Texas Rangers and other suitors.

If you happened to hop off of social media after dinner on Monday you might have missed one of the stranger developments regarding a player on the trade market that has been seen in recent years. Nolan Arenado, who has spent all offseason having his name bantered around trade rumors many of which include the Texas Rangers, was abruptly pulled off the market by Rockies GM Jeff Bridich.

In a story from the Denver Post, Bridich commented on Nolan Arenado’s future with the Rockies noting that he had listened to offers from various teams but none were of the quality to part with the perennial Gold Glove third baseman. Because of this, Bridich abruptly made known that Arenado was no longer on the trade market and would be in Spring Training with Colorado which is rapidly approaching. Something about those comments did not sit well with Arenado who told MLB.com that there was “a lot of disrespect from people there that I don’t want to be a part of.”

Jeff Passan, who covers the MLB for ESPN, wrote early Tuesday morning that sources communicated to ESPN that the disrespect Arenado is referring to stems from Colorado’s inaction this offseason regarding player acquisitions despite a 71-91 record last season. That poor record came in the season following Nolan Arenado’s eight-year, $260 million extension which seemingly indicated that Arenado wanted to commit long-term with the Rockies.

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Now that indication looks far from certain as many around the baseball sphere are trying to map out what this falling out could mean for Colorado, Nolan, and his trade market. For the Texas Rangers, this could be an opening to re-up their pursuit of the 28-year old. Texas has long coveted the third baseman and has been one of the teams linked with a potential trade along with the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals. Of the teams linked, Texas would have the benefit of being able to take on most if not all of Arenado’s remaining $234 million. However, if it went down to a bidding war of prospects heading in the opposite direction, the Rangers would likely have to try and woo the Rockies with quantity not quality.

The hill to climb in any potential Arenado deal is still difficult with his remaining money, full no trade clause and opt out after the 2021 season, but difficult doesn’t equate to impossible. Texas entered the offseason looking to make a splash and so far, they haven’t done so. Corey Kluber represents the biggest acquisition by Texas and while he’s a big name and good addition, he’s not likely the same Cy Young winner we’ve seen in the past and doesn’t get the juices flowing for fans like Arenado would.

The Rangers are still in a position to make a move of significance as they’ve constructed a roster with flexibility to this point in the offseason. Free agents Nick Castellanos and Marcell Ozuna have been heavily connected with the club and remain on the table. Of course the aforementioned Arenado could be a possibility as could Chicago’s Kris Bryant once there is a resolution on his current service time grievance.

This development is one to watch over the coming days as a fallout between a team’s superstar and it’s GM aren’t common ones. This could be something that resolves itself quickly with either the parties backtracking their statements or one of the parties leaving the organization. One thing is certain, if the Rangers are serious about Nolan Arenado, it seems that door may have opened once again.