Dodgers Rumors: A Nolan Arenado Trade to LA Remains a Possibility Until it’s Not
The Dodgers’ pursuit of Cardinals’ slugger Nolan Arenado continues as the trade deadline is on the horizon. The All-Star third baseman has been a long-standing target for the Dodgers, and it seems the feeling is mutual, with Arenado having previously expressed interest in playing for the team he grew up cheering for.
The reason these rumors are still being discussed is because the Cardinals have yet to come out and put them to bed. The door is seemingly wide open for a potential deal.
On Friday, Arenado himself addressed the swirling rumors and uncertainties about his future with the Cardinals. After initially telling reporters he was only focused on that night’s game, he had a change of heart, opening up and admitting he’s unsure where he’ll be playing as soon as this coming Wednesday.
“I haven’t talked to anybody, really,” Arenado said. “So, I don’t know where those reports came from, but when [John Mozeliak] comes up to me and we have those conversations, we will have them. … Whatever happens happens. It’s hard for me to sit here and speak on these things. Like I said, I think the Cardinals, those guys are smart up there, and they’re looking at every way to make this team better. That’s just how I see it.”
Via Tamar Sher, KMOV
MLB Network’s Tom Verducci recently spoke about the possibility of a deal between the Dodgers and Cardinals. Verducci points to the Dodgers’ impressive wealth of pitching prospects as a key factor in making such a trade happen.
The Cardinals face the possibility of losing much of their starting rotation in the upcoming offseason, with players like Jack Flaherty and Jordan Montgomery becoming free agents and Adam Wainwright retiring. This opens up a clear need for young, controllable pitching talent, which the Dodgers could provide in a potential trade.
While Arenado has expressed his desire to stay in St. Louis, the final decision ultimately rests with him and trade veto power. He still has three years and $102 million left on his contract, making him an attractive trade target for the Dodgers.
If the Cardinals opt to trade Arenado, they could look to fill the void at third through free agency, where three time Gold Glover Matt Chapman is expected to be the top 3B available this winter. Alternatively, they could explore their options with rookie Michael Busch, a talented player who would likely be included in a deal with the Dodgers.
As the trade deadline draws nearer, the Dodgers’ pursuit of Arenado continues to be a hot topic, and baseball eagerly awaits any developments that could reshape the landscape of the sport.
UPDATE
Cardinals GM John Mozeliak confirmed late on Saturday that Arenado will not be traded.
Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
