Atlanta Braves Should Show More Interest in Nolan Arenado

The Atlanta Braves are still waiting on a decision from free agent Josh Donaldson.  They could find a better option on the trade market with third baseman Nolan Arenado.

The chances that the Atlanta Braves pull the trigger on a trade for Nolan Arenado are minuscule at best. However, with the third baseman on the market you can’t help but wonder how Atlanta doesn’t chase one of the best hitters in the game.

Arenado is a career .295 hitter and has hit at least 35-homers or more since 2015. He puts up MVP caliber numbers on a yearly basis. It is mind numbing to think what he would bring to Atlanta paired with Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna Jr.

The problem for Atlanta is the record deal that Arenado signed with the Rockies. It would keep him in a Braves uniform until his late thirties and unless the market resets Atlanta will be overpaying him at some point.

There is also the fact that Atlanta would have to give up at least three of their top prospects to bring Arenado to Atlanta. With this in mind, they will likely continue to wait on Josh Donaldson’s decision in hopes the veteran returns to Atlanta.

If not acquiring Arenado is absolutely the move for Atlanta. Without Donaldson as currently constructed this team isn’t a true contender. If they add Donaldson they will become a contender, with Arenado they become favorites.

If Donaldson opts to sign with anyone else it is hard to see many other moves for Atlanta. Arenado would become one of if not Atlanta’s best player. He is a generational talent that would give Atlanta the piece they need to win a World Series.

However, he is also signed to a contract that will mortgage the Braves future and their ability to sign other players. A fact that should make acquiring Arenado their last resort.