Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies. (Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)
The Atlanta Braves could make another deal or two this offseason.
One team that may make a blockbuster trade this offseason is the Atlanta Braves.
Atlanta was one win away from getting to its first World Series since 1999. The Braves had its best season since 2001, as the team won two postseason series to get their October woes firmly behind them. A lack of starting pitching with big-game experience was largely their downfall, but everybody should expect the Braves to be contenders in the National League for years to come.
Here are three trades the Braves can make and one to avoid
3
Nolan Arenado
3B Colorado Rockies
Atlanta would have to give up the farm to get perennial All-Star third basemen Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies. Arenado has spent his entire eight-year big league career in Denver, where he has won a Gold Glove every season and taken home a Silver Slugger half the time. Despite being a franchise cornerstone, he could be dealt by the Rockies at some point soon.
Arenado turns 30-years-old in April and is under contract for the next six seasons. While his bat could be artificially inflated by playing in Denver, you cannot deny his outstanding glovework at the hot corner. By trading for Arenado, that would mean the Braves would finally have to stop worrying about what to do at third base seemingly every year for the rest of time.
However, there are consequences by making this deal. Austin Riley would have to go the other way, plus, whatever top prospect the Rockies could ever hope for and then some. The worst part of it all is by adding Arenado’s massive contract, it would essentially guarantee reigning NL MVP Freddie Freeman will not be returning on a new contract. Is that something we want to happen?
Ultimately, the Braves have the resources necessary to pull off a blockbuster trade for a player the caliber of Arenado. Would he be worth it, though? Yes, or at least initially. Arenado’s game feels like it will age well. Gold Glove defense and a power bat from the right side in the middle of the lineup for six years sounds pretty good. However, trading for him will come at a great price.