Nolan Arenado trade would hasten the Cincinnati Reds trade pursuits

If Nolan Arenado finds a new home in the National League Central, the Cincinnati Reds must amp up their trade pursuits of Francisco Lindor and Corey Seager.

Rumors are swirling about a potential blockbuster deal between the St. Louis Cardinals and Colorado Rockies. Nolan Arenado‘s name is at the center of these preliminary discussions. If the Cardinals are able to land the best third baseman in the game, the Cincinnati Reds must respond with a blockbuster trade of their own.

Some of the biggest names in baseball have been rumored to be on the move this winter. Francisco Lindor, Mookie Betts, Kris Bryant, and now Arenado have all heard their names whispered among inquiring general managers. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, Arenado may be the most likely player to be moved.

Originally rumored to be headed to either St. Louis or Arlington, the Texas Rangers recently signed former Cincinnati Reds third basemen Todd Frazier, likely eliminating them from a pursuit of Nolan Arenado. This could spell trouble for the Redlegs, who have their eyes on a division crown this season.

In terms of offseason acquisitions, the Cincinnati Reds have stood among their NL Central counterparts. Cincinnati has added Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama, left-handed pitcher Wade Miley, and All-Star infielder Mike Moustakas. Those three moves alone seem to have been enough to vault the Reds at or near the top of the NL Central in the minds of the fans and pundits.

However, a St. Louis trade for Nolan Arenado could raise serious question marks about Cincinnati’s ability to compete for a division championship. The Cardinals won the NL Central last season, and adding a superstar like Arenado would only solidify their spot as the No. 1 team in the division heading into 2020.

Should the Cardinals land Arenado, the Reds would have no choice but to respond with a trade of their own. Cincinnati has been rumored to be interested in Francisco Lindor all offseason, and Corey Seager‘s name became a popular one this past week. Either way, if the Cards add a five-time All-Star, Cincy needs to make a corresponding move.

The Reds front office has pledged to make 2020 the year in which the team aggressively pursues a return to the playoffs. The additions made this offseason certainly put Cincinnati in the mix. But one more player, the caliber of Lindor or Seager, would put the Reds in the driver’s seat regardless of any moves the Cardinals or any other division rivals may make.

Other than Marcell Ozuna or Nicholas Castellanos, no other impact free agent exists on the market. While the Reds could also take that course of action, a trade would be the better way to upgrade the roster. I know fans don’t like giving up on prospects, but two years of Lindor or Seager would be worth a player like Nick Senzel, Nick Lodolo, or Jonathan India.

Cincinnati has done enough for the time being to be competitive. However, if Nolan Arenado joins a team in the NL Central, more maneuvering will be necessary if the team wants to win. Look for the Reds to stand pat, seeing if the Cardinals blink first. A trade for Arenado is possible, but it would cost the Cardinals a lot.