Nolan Arenado Trade Rumors: Cardinals Talks Held, Rangers Not Favored to Land 3B

There is understandably a big trade market for third baseman Nolan Arenado, and the St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly held "preliminary talks" with the Colorado Rockies about a potential deal.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported the news after he had reported the Texas Rangers were "not viewed as favorites" to land Arenado.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported in December that the Cardinals and Rangers were among the teams discussing a potential trade with the Rockies. Rosenthal also mentioned the Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers were listed as possibilities.

Arenado has been one of the best players in all of baseball over the past few years, earning seven straight Gold Gloves and five straight All-Star selections. He has finished in the top 10 of MVP voting in each of the last five years.

The 28-year-old has also been one of the most consistent players in baseball with at least 37 home runs and 110 RBI in five straight seasons, producing a .300 batting average over this stretch.

Every team in the majors could use a player with this type of production in all phases of the game.

However, he is owed $207 million over the next six seasons. This is a hefty cost for a team that finished 71-91 last season and only has one playoff game win since 2009.

Morosi reported earlier this month there is a 50/50 chance of a trade. Six teams have reportedly checked in on the third baseman.