The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off their second World Series championship since 2020. As they prepare to defend their championship in 2025, may they add third baseman Nolan Arenado in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals? The Cardinals have been trying to locate a trade partner for the eight-time All-Star this winter, but it has been difficult to reach an agreement. They sought to move him to Texas to join the Houston Astros, but the veteran declined by activating his no-trade clause.
According to Cardinals source John Denton, Arenado prefers to play for the Dodgers. However, Los Angeles has openly supported Max Muncy as its starting third baseman for 2025. If this changes in the coming weeks, what type of deal would be required to get Arenado to Hollywood? BALLCAP Sports’ Jim Riley proposed the following hypothetical trade:
– Dodgers acquire third baseman Nolan Arenado. – Cardinals acquire utility player Chris Taylor and right-handed pitcher Tony Gonsolin. Gonsolin missed all of 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery and is projected to be totally healthy in 2025. Taylor has been a Dodgers regular since his first full season in 2017. However, he slumped to a.598 OPS in 246 plate appearances in 2024.
Arenado’s offensive productivity has declined in previous years, with a.719 OPS, 16 home runs, and 71 RBI in 635 plate appearances this season. The 10-time Gold Glove winner has three years and $52 million remaining on his eight-year, $260 million contract, according to Spotrac.
