The Los Angeles Dodgers made the first big move of the offseason when they signed Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract. They have also agreed to terms with Michael Conforto, re-signed Blake Treinen and remain in negotiations with Teoscar Hernández.
The Dodgers infield does not figure to change much from 2024, with Mookie Betts’ permanent move back to shortstop being the exception. The Dodgers have not been linked to any of the remaining free agent infielders, especially after Willy Adames signed with the San Francisco Giants.
However, the Dodgers have been linked to St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. That stemmed from the Cardinals openly trying to offload Arenado’s contract ahead of the 2025 season.
But a trade for Arenado does not seem likely at this time as general manager Brandon Gomes said the Dodgers expect to open the 2025 season with Max Muncy as their third baseman, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports:
#Dodgers GM, Brandon Gomes also expects Max Muncy to be Dodgers opening day third baseman.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) December 9, 2024
Arenado carries a lot of name recognition and has been one of baseball’s best third baseman for a significant stretch. But a decline in current production does not match his massive salary.
Arenado was back to playing his signature brand of defense in 2024, ranking eighth in MLB for defensive runs saved, but his ability at the plate continued its downward trend.
Trading for Arenado is a luxury the Dodgers could certainly afford, but one that is completely unnecessary with Muncy’s sizable improvements defensively at third base in 2024.
Muncy also looked rejuvenated at the plate with his best offensive season in three years, although it was an extremely limited sample size as an oblique injury limited him to 73 regular season games. Muncy also had an excellent NL Championship Series where he set a postseason record by reaching base in 12 consecutive plate appearances.
Max Muncy would welcome Dodgers trade for Nolan Arenado
During a recent appearance on “Foul Territory,” Muncy openly expressed his willingness to adopt a new role with the Dodgers if the team did decide on an Arenado trade.
Of course, there is the possibility that Muncy would be included in a potential trade with the Cardinals.
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