The Rockies have just traded in one of the top five players in franchise history, one arguing that he was, in fact, the best, for one of the weakest winnings I’ve ever seen for a player of this size and impact. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are getting a player they didn’t really need – not with the other four teams in NL Central actively running in the opposite direction of ‘twist’ this winter – but one that will absolutely help them and one of the few weak spots on the grid.
Nolan Arenado is one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball and has been since he reached the majors. He also led the National League three times in homers and once in doubles. He was worth 32 WAR by Fangraphs, 39 by Baseball-Reference, and in both versions, he’s fourth all-time among Rockies players. He’s been consistently worth five to six wins a year. Without him, the Rockies aren’t going anywhere in 2021 … or …