The Rockies just traded one of the top five players in the franchise’s history, one on the grounds that he was indeed the best, for one of the weakest returns I have ever seen for a player of this magnitude and impact. The Cardinals, in turn, get a player they really didn’t need – not with the other four teams from Central NL actively running in the opposite direction to the “restraint” this winter – but someone who will definitely help them and address one few weaknesses on the list.
Nolan Arenado is one of baseball’s best defensive third base players and has been that way since reaching the majors. He also led the National League in homers three times and in doubles once. He was worth 32 WAR for Fangraphs, 39 for Baseball-Reference, and in both versions he is the fourth of all time among Rockies players. He has consistently won five to six wins a year. Without it, the Rocky Mountains will go nowhere in 2021 … or …