The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to show interest in third baseman Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals. Arenado, a California native, has a no-trade clause.
However, according to reports, he’d be ecstatic if the Dodgers were interested in him and would be more than willing to waive that no-trade clause to play in Los Angeles.
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The Dodgers have also been caught in some speculation in recent weeks regarding Max Muncy, their All-Star infielder, who hasn’t swung the bat at a good enough level to justify continuing to play.
For the Dodgers, one of the most star-studded rosters in Major League Baseball history, adding Arenado would be the icing on the cake.
Despite that, according to a report from Buster Olney of ESPN, there might not be a scenario where he’s available. The Cardinals like what they currently have and are playing well, just one game behind the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central.
Los Angeles Dodgers third base Max Muncy (13) runs after hitting a two-run RBI at Dodger Stadium.Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
“St. Louis Cardinals: They’re on a winning streak, and they’ve communicated to other teams that even if they aren’t a front-runner, they might keep their tradable players in what is the last season of John Mozeliak’s tenure as head of baseball operations,” Olney wrote.
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Arenado might still be moved, but the Cardinals’ decisions are much different than they were a few months ago, when they were expected to struggle.
Arenado has played better to start the year, but he certainly isn’t what he once was. Currently hitting .280, he has four home runs in 141 at-bats.
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