Colorado and St. Louis appear to be on the verge of a major trade centered on the Colorado star, third base Nolan Arenado, but it is not yet clear whether the deal will be closed as early as Monday night. The exchange has not yet been submitted to union and league approval, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, who adds that “it will take at least another day, if not more ”to become official. On the other hand, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post tweets that all parties could sign tonight.
Regardless of whether this negotiation takes place on Monday, it looks like it will happen. According The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, Rockies and Cardinals had “intense moments” during the negotiations last weekend, but the blockbuster is likely to be approved on Tuesday. In addition, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes that the cardinals are optimistic that the transaction will take place.
Because of the complicated financial hurdles that teams have to face to complete this exchange (Colorado must absorb $ 50 million of Arenado’s remaining money), it is unclear who the Rockies will receive in exchange for the long face of their franchise. But Arenado – who has a no-trade clause – seems anxious to go to St. Louis, as he has given his written consent for an exchange with the Cardinals, Tim Brown from Yahoo Sports reports. Arenado is in line to receive an extra year and an additional $ 15 million added to the six seasons and $ 199 million in his Colorado contract if the Cards acquire it.