The Colorado Rockies ensured that third baseman Nolan Arenado would never see the free-agent market when they signed him to an eight-year, $260 million deal during spring training.

But with the Rockies coming off a massively disappointing 71-91 season and on the cusp of having a franchise record for payroll, is it possible that they could look to move Arenado?

ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan reported that “multiple” teams have checked in on Arenado's availability:

Multiple teams have approached the Colorado Rockies expressing interest in their star third baseman, according to club sources. While those conversations went nowhere, they at least raise a decent question for the Rockies to ask themselves: Why don't we move him?

Dealing Arenado less than one year after signing him to a massive deal would seem counterintuitive. However, as Passan notes, Arenado's deal includes an opt-out clause after the third season.

Though he would be giving up a ton of guaranteed money, Arenado could elect to become a free agent after the 2021 season. He will be entering his age-31 season, and could easily earn another lucrative contract should he continue to produce at such a high level.

Arenado is one of the preeminent sluggers in the game today and arguably the best defensive third baseman in baseball. He posted an .866 OPS on the road in spite of questions regarding his ability to hit away from Coors Field, and he won his seventh straight Gold Glove.

The Rockies would be sacrificing their ability to compete now should they trade Arenado, but they may not be able to overcome payroll issues with him on the roster. At least dealing him would ensure a massive return of prospects and allow Colorado to start over while also giving them more flexibility to extend Trevor Story.