Coming off their first World Series title in more than three decades, the Los Angeles Dodgers face a multitude of roster questions, with the most prominent at third base. Justin Turner was among the club’s players to reach free agency this offseason.
There is presumed interest from the Dodgers to re-sign Turner, who has been a valued leader in the clubhouse and community and a steady producer in the lineup. However, how that ultimately will unfold can’t be considered a foregone conclusion.
If the Dodgers were to look to the trade market for a third baseman, the Chicago Cubs are believed to be open to dealing Kris Bryant, and the Colorado Rockies’ Nolan Arenado seems to perpetually be involved in speculation as the team struggles to remain competitive in the National League West.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, it’s Arenado who the Dodgers are interested in trading for this winter:
One source said Thursday that the Dodgers — who have liked Arenado for years — remain interested in trading for him.
L.A. has been linked to the Southern California native in years prior, though the Rockies were believed to be against trading Arenado within the division; particularly to a team they have been chasing.
However, they could face more incentive to now part with their franchise cornerstone as Arenado holds an opt-out clause after the 2021 season. He signed an eight-year, $260 million contract extension in February of last year. The deal also includes a full no-trade clause.
Arenado’s $32.5 million average annual value surpassed the record Miguel Cabrera held ($31 million) for a position player.
Who would Dodgers have to trade for Arenado?
The Dodgers are flush with young talent who has gained Major League experience and highly-touted prospects to include in a trade with the Rockies. They likely would need to offer some combination of Tony Gonsolin, Gavin Lux, Dustin May and Keibert Ruiz as the headliners in order to acquire Arenado.
If they were to complete a trade, the Dodgers would be inclined to ask Arenado that he push back the opt-out in his contract to protect them from possibly only acquiring a one-year rental.
Though the Dodgers are said to have interest, it was recently reported re-signing Turner has a higher probability than trading for Arenado and Francisco Lindor.
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