Bernie Show: Arenado Tilt-A-Whirl

The Bernie Miklasz Show

We fans and media got into a full-blown tizzy when The Athletic reported on Nolan Arenado being willing to move to first base to fill a hole for a team that could have interest in him. This set off a maniacal reaction, with folks rushing to in to concoct fantasy trades and scenarios. It's all part of the fun of baseball's offseason ... I guess.

But Arenado's offer to switch to first base will not make the earth move. By moving to first base, he would lose much of his value ... because much of his overall value is generated by his heralded, above-average defense at third base. And Arenado's level of offense wouldn't be what teams are looking for in a major upgrade at the position.

So if that value is stripped away by a move to first base, then it takes us back to where we started as we continue to go around in cricles: he's an aging player that has experienced an alarming decline offensively over the last two seasons; he has three years left on a contract that pays $74 million guaranteed; he has full trade-veto power; and he's highly unlikely to improve going forward.

Translation: Arenado is a name-brand player with relatively little trade value. Nothing has really changed; the Cardinals don't have much leverage (if any) in their attempts to move him this offseason. Arenado's big move -- to first base -- is unlikely to result in the Cardinals moving him to another team.