The Los Angeles Dodgers have been extremely active leading up to Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline. That has already included acquiring infielders Amed Rosario and Kike Hernandez in separate trades.
But it appears that Los Angeles is prepared to go big-game hunting. According to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers are in talks with the St. Louis Cardinals on a blockbuster trade that would net them eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado.
A native of Southern California, Arenado would reportedly waive his no-trade clause to head to the Dodgers. Meanwhile, Castillo continues to report that either Jack Flaherty or Jordan Montgomery would also head to Los Angeles in a broader blockbuster. It makes sense with the Dodgers linked to starting pitchers despite having already traded for two position players.
St. Louis is apparently willing to listen to offers for some of its big-name players. Front office head John Mozeliak has indicated as much leading up to the trade deadline. He is reportedly eyeing young pitchers such as Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Ryan Pepiot, and Emmet Sheehan in trade talks with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Nolan Arenado stats (2023): .287 average, 22 HR, 77 RBI, .856 OPS
Arenado, 32, is considered one of the best all-around third baseman in modern MLB history. In addition to earning eight All-Star appearances, he’s a 10-time Gold Glove winner and a five-time winner of the Silver Slugger Award. He’s currently playing under an eight-year, $260 million contract that runs through the 2027 season.
Related: MLB trade tracker with grades
Potential blockbuster Los Angeles Dodgers trade
Per MLB.com, Los Angeles headed into the 2023 season with the second-best farm system in all of Major League Baseball. It has seven players ranked among the top-100 MLB prospects.
It goes without saying that the Dodgers have the assets to pull off a blockbuster trade. This includes the sixth-highest payroll in MLB at $218.9 million.
As for a potential trade to acquire Arenado, Max Muncy is currently playing the hot corner. He entered Thursday’s action hitting a mere .197 despite belting 25 homers and boasting an .807 OPS.
Expanding this to include a starting pitcher also makes sense for the Dodgers. As noted above, they have been in the market for a starter after dealing with a plethora of injuries all season long.