Everyone seems to want a piece of the New York Mets nowadays.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported on “Hot Stove” Wednesday morning that the Colorado Rockies want the Mets to engage in trade talks involving superstar third baseman, Nolan Arenado (h/t Joe DeMayo, SNY).
The 29-year-old is considered by many as the best third baseman in the game given his blend of sterling defense and a power bat that has flourished in the friendly conditions of Colorado. He’s an eight-time Gold Glover and four-time Platinum Glove Award winner while posting offensive 162-game averages over the last six seasons of .298/.359/.567 (.926 OPS) with 41 home runs and 126 RBI.
Despite his evolution as one of the game’s top players, he’s grown increasingly discontent with the Rockies as they’ve failed to create a legitimate contender around him.
The timing couldn’t be much worse for the Rockies to begin scouring the trade market. Arenado has six years left on an eight-year, $260 million deal, which under normal circumstances would create the promise of the Rockies getting a huge haul in return based on his contractual security.
This offseason, though, a majority of teams are reeling from massive financial losses sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, the league and its teams lost a combined $3 billion.
The Mets, however, are in a position to clean up on the market after Steve Cohen — by far the richest owner in baseball with a net worth of $14.6 billion — officially took ownership of the team in November. They’ve already been one of the most aggressive clubs this offseason, signing notable free agents like reliever Trevor May and catcher James McCann with more expected to come.
It’s understandable why the Rockies would want the Mets to get in on Arenado trade talks because they have the MLB-ready talent to send to Colorado while possessing the funds to take on the money that comes with the five-time All-Star’s contract. But any hypothetical trade would not be as easy as a straight-up trade involving just players and prospects.
For the trade to truly be worthwhile for the Mets, the Rockies would have to eat a chunk of Arenado’s contract to properly introduce him to New York’s books. He also has an opt-out clause following the 2021 season that would likely have to be pushed back for the Mets to feel comfortable parting with the necessary assets to get him.
The Rockies asking for the Mets to get in on the trade talks also takes away a considerable amount of leverage off the table. With the Los Angeles Dodgers heavily linked on Arenado, Colorado seems to be showing a considerable amount of desperation not to have to deal their star to one of their divisional rivals.
It’s important to note that these scenarios are speculative considering the level of interest from the Mets is unknown at this time. However, it would be hard to pass up on a player like Arenado to further bolster a Mets lineup that already looks plenty dangerous while holding down the hot corner for at least the next six years.
