The St. Louis Cardinals could look to make significant changes to their roster this offseason, with Nolan Arenado once again at the center of trade speculation.
The seven-time All-Star has three seasons remaining on the eight-year, $260 million contract extension he originally signed with the Colorado Rockies before the 2019 campaign began. He is due to make $32 million in 2025 and $74 million total over the next three years.
Arenado’s contract came with a full no-trade clause, meaning he has complete control over his next destination. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been linked to him in the past and could emerge as a possible landing spot if the Cardinals move forward with a trade.
According to Randy Miller of NJ.com, the New York Yankees also have interest in Arenado but his preference may be going to the Dodgers:
“One guy that could be a possibility [for the Yankees] is Arenado from St. Louis. Think the Cardinals are trying to trade him, St. Louis would have to pick up some of the money and maybe the Yankees could have a deal where they trade some prospects. I keep hearing it’s going to be either the Yankees or the Dodgers — I think he’s a West Coast guy that would prefer to go to the Dodgers and I think the Dodgers want him.”
Arenado made headlines on Sunday with an Instagram post that was accompanied by the Kendrick Lamar track titled “dodger blue” from his new studio album “GNX.”
Arenado, a Southern California native, grew up a Dodgers fan and attended El Toro High School in Lake Forest.
Arenado would become the Dodgers’ third baseman in the event he is acquired, with Max Muncy presumably sliding over to second base if not traded. That would leave Mookie Betts in line to take over the shortstop position and Gavin Lux likely moving to a bench role.
The Dodgers would almost certainly have to pay down a significant portion of Arenado’s remaining contract in any trade with the Cardinals, which should lessen their prospect cost.
Nolan Arenado’s 2024 season with Cardinals
Arenado is coming off somewhat of a down 2024 season that saw him hit .272/.325/.394 with 23 doubles, 16 home runs and 71 RBI in 635 plate appearances across 152 games.
However, Arenado is only two years removed from a stellar 2022 season in which he led the National League with 7.7 WAR and finished third in MVP Award voting.
While his offensive production has declined in recent years, Arenado remains one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball. But he has failed to win a Gold Glove at the position since 2022.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
