Nolan Arenado Trade Rumors: Multiple Teams Considered Being Part of 3-Team Deal

While Nolan Arenado is widely expected to stay in Colorado, multiple teams have reportedly considered pulling off a complicated three-way trade for the third baseman.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported Monday that "several" teams have considered being a "way station" for Arenado.

"Here's how it would work: The team would take a player it believes has an onerous contract and deal him to the Rockies for Arenado. The team that acquires Arenado then would flip him—and cash from what it saved by ridding itself of the bad deal—to a third team for prospects," Passan wrote. 

Arenado has six years and $199 million remaining on his contract, making him nearly impossible to trade during an offseason where teams have been penny-pinching amid the COVID-19 pandemic. His surprising regression in 2020 also plays a factor in teams being unwilling to pay more than $33 million per year for a distressed asset.

The overwhelming odds are that Arenado returns to form in 2021. His 48-game sample last season amounts to an extended slump, which could have easily been course-corrected over a typical campaign. He doesn't turn 30 until April and is coming off an eighth-straight Gold Glove. He's still really good, even in non-MVP-caliber seasons.

The Rockies remain interested in moving Arenado in large part because they have no immediate avenue to contention and will likely struggle to compete in the NL West for at least a couple seasons. Paying Arenado limits their flexibility elsewhere on the roster, and they might benefit from shoring up their farm system if a team decides to go all in.