The Los Angeles Dodgers have been linked to St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado as a trade candidate this summer.
Arenado, 33, doesn’t exactly fit into the Cardinals’ plans as they prepare to rebuild in 2025. He’ll also receive $74 million over the next three seasons.
Arenado’s contract includes a no-trade clause, which means he can essentially choose his next team as long as the Cardinals find common ground with them. And this week, the teams to which Arenado would accept a trade were disclosed.
According to MLB.com, Arenado has six teams on his wish list: the Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox. Additional reports circulated that he might accept a trade to the New York Yankees as well.
While the Dodgers make sense as a preferred trade destination given his Southern California roots and desire to win, a transfer to the reigning World Series winners is doubtful.
“League sources strongly indicated to The Athletic that a deal for Arenado is not a possibility the organization has considered,” Fabian Ardaya wrote this week. “With the St. Louis Cardinals looking to trade All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado, don’t expect the Dodgers to be in play.”
The Dodgers do not have room or need for Arenado. While Arenado is a 10-time Gold Glove award winner at third base, the organization is very pleased with Max Muncy, who general manager Brandon Gomes has confirmed will be the starting third baseman next season.
“Muncy’s going to play third base for us,” Gomes announced at the Winter Meetings. “He’s such an important part of what we do and has been a constant. So, yes, Max is playing third base.
While Muncy could theoretically move to second base to create room for Arenado, it just does not make sense for the Dodgers. Taking on $74 million over three seasons makes even less sense.
So, while Arenado may want a trade to the Dodgers — his social media activity certainly hinted to it – that rumor can be effectively put to bed.
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