The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off their second World Series title since 2020 and are gearing up to defend their championship in 2025. Could they bolster their roster by trading for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado? The Cardinals have been actively shopping the eight-time All-Star this offseason, but finding a trade partner has proven challenging. They explored a deal with the Houston Astros, but Arenado exercised his no-trade clause to block the move. According to Cardinals insider John Denton, Arenado’s preferred landing spot is Los Angeles.
Despite this, the Dodgers have publicly committed to Max Muncy as their starting third baseman for 2025. Should their stance shift, what kind of trade package could bring Arenado to LA? Jim Riley of BALLCAP Sports proposed a hypothetical deal:
- Dodgers receive: 3B Nolan Arenado
- Cardinals receive: Utility player Chris Taylor and RHP Tony Gonsolin
Gonsolin, who missed all of 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery, is expected to be fully healthy in 2025. Meanwhile, Taylor, a versatile player with the Dodgers since 2017, struggled offensively in 2024, posting a .598 OPS in 246 plate appearances.
As for Arenado, his offensive numbers have dipped recently, including a .719 OPS, 16 home runs, and 71 RBI over 635 plate appearances last season. However, the 10-time Gold Glove winner remains an elite defender and has three years and $52 million left on his eight-year, $260 million contract, per Spotrac.
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