The Los Angeles Dodgers are far from done making moves this offseason, having already signed former two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell and re-signed All-Star cleanup hitter Teoscar Hernández. With their sights still set on further strengthening their roster, the Dodgers may have their eye on one of the biggest stars on the trade market: Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals are looking to shed some salary, as they are still responsible for three more years of the $260 million contract Arenado originally signed with the Colorado Rockies.
Arenado’s preferred trade destinations include just six teams, with the Dodgers potentially being his top choice. However, the Dodgers have yet to show much interest in Arenado, raising the question of whether this will change as the season approaches. Jim Riley of Ballcap Sports suggested in a recent YouTube video that a trade could be possible. Riley proposed sending starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin and utility player Chris Taylor to the Cardinals in exchange for Arenado. He explained that while the Dodgers could send pieces to the Cardinals to help offset the deal, the Cardinals would likely need to pay a portion of Arenado’s remaining salary.
If such a deal goes through, the Dodgers would have Arenado as their new third baseman, with Max Muncy moving to second base, and Mookie Betts shifting to shortstop, while Gavin Lux would likely be moved. Though the Dodgers have publicly stated that Muncy is their starting third baseman, team decisions can be fluid, and they would likely reconsider if the right trade offer presents itself. The key consideration for the Dodgers is whether they are willing to absorb some of Arenado’s contract, but despite the Cardinals’ willingness to move him, it remains uncertain if the Dodgers will ultimately commit to this move.
