The St. Louis Cardinals are actively working to trade third baseman and the $52 million remaining on his contract. Their eagerness to move him is so pronounced that they are reportedly prepared to cover a significant portion of his salary to facilitate a deal. However, the process is complicated by Arenado’s no-trade clause. One team Arenado is reportedly open to waiving the clause for is the Los Angeles Dodgers. If the Dodgers can acquire him at a reduced cost and avoid taking on most of his remaining contract, it would be an easy decision for them.
One potential trade scenario could involve the following:
Los Angeles Dodgers receive:
- 3B Nolan Arenado
- $25 million
St. Louis Cardinals receive:
- RHP Bobby Miller
In this straightforward deal, the Dodgers would secure a multi-time Platinum Glove-winning third baseman, bolstering a position where they could use an upgrade. Arenado would likely slot into the Dodgers’ lineup as a middle-order hitter, complementing their already star-studded roster under manager Dave Roberts. Meanwhile, the Cardinals would contribute $25 million to cover roughly half of Arenado’s remaining contract.
In return, the Cardinals would receive Bobby Miller, a high-upside pitching prospect. Miller made his MLB debut in 2023, delivering 22 starts for the Dodgers and showcasing his talent with 100 MPH fastballs and a WAR over 2.0. However, his performance declined sharply in 2024, as he posted a -1.9 WAR, 8.52 ERA, and 1.77 WHIP. Given the Dodgers’ deep rotation, Miller’s chances of reclaiming a regular spot seem slim, making a trade a potential opportunity to revitalize his career.
While Miller carries both high risk and high reward, the Cardinals would gain flexibility by shedding half of Arenado’s contract. For St. Louis, the gamble on Miller’s potential could be worth it to move forward from Arenado’s sizable financial commitment.
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