The St. Louis Cardinals are desperate to sell third baseman Nolan Arenado and the $52 million remaining on his deal. They’re apparently willing to eat a significant portion of his deal in order to trade him. With Arenado’s no-trade provision, this move becomes much more problematic. However, he is reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause for the Los Angeles Dodgers. If the Dodgers could get him inexpensively and avoid paying the majority of his contract, it would be a no-brainer for them.
Here’s a potential deal that would bring Arenado to Los Angeles to join manager Dave Roberts’ star-studded lineup: Los Angeles Dodgers receive: 3B. Nolan Arenado gets $25 million. St. Louis Cardinals acquire: RHP Bobby Miller This is a rather straightforward transaction.
The Dodgers would add a multi-time Platinum Glove winner to a position that might use an upgrade. Arenado is thrilled with the transaction and will join the Dodgers as a fifth, sixth, or seventh hitter in the lineup. St. Louis is sending $25 million to cover approximately half of the sale. Bobby Miller, a high-potential pitching prospect, will return to the Cardinals as part of this deal.
Miller made his Dodgers debut in 2023, starting 22 games. For the most part, the hard-throwing righty was dominant, with fastballs reaching 100 mph and a WAR of more than 2.0. In 2024, he dropped to -1.9 WAR, 8.52 ERA, and 1.77 WHIP. It’s difficult to imagine him finding a stable spot in the Dodgers’ stacked rotation, so a change of scenery is virtually essential for his future. Miller is a high-ceiling, low-floor addition for the Cardinals, but St. Louis would receive half of Arenado’s contract, making it a risk worth taking.
