At the very least, the Rockies are going through the same exercise with Nolan Arenado that the Indians are conducting with Francisco Lindor. Gauging interest, assessing trade value. Weighing the offers they would get this offseason against the offers they might receive at the deadline and beyond.



In September, with Colorado stumbling toward a 71-91 finish, I posed a seemingly unthinkable question, “Might it be wise for the Rockies to trade their All-Star third baseman as a way to restock their farm system and reboot their franchise?”



At the time, Arenado was only six months into an eight-year, $260 million contract, and I acknowledged the average fan might find the notion preposterous.



It wasn’t then, and it isn’t now.



Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich has not dismissed the possibility that the Rockies will trade Arenado, the face of the Rockies’ franchise and a winner of seven consecutive Gold Gloves. Arenado has not...