St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado entered the season as an MVP candidate on a projected playoff contender. Heading into the MLB trade deadline, there are now rumors that the All-Star third baseman could be traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Arenado, a native of Southern California, reportedly would love to play for the Dodgers. A trade to Los Angeles provides him with the opportunity to play at home, competing for a World Series with the team he grew up watching. However, the Cardinals’ unique approach to the trade deadline makes things complicated.
- Nolan Arenado stats: .284/.332/.517, .849 OPS, 22 home runs, 77 RBI, 128 OPS+
Related: Los Angeles Dodgers pursuing trade for Cy Young Award winner
St. Louis doesn’t believe it needs to rebuild, which would result in the team being aggressive sellers this summer. Entering MLB games today, the Cardinals ranked top 10 in runs scored, batting average, slugging and OBP. It’s reportedly having a significant influence on the team’s approach in trade talks with Los Angeles.
During an appearance on Fox Sports’ pre-game show, Ken Rosenthal addressed the Cardinals’ approach to the MLB trade deadline and the likelihood of Arenado being traded.
“The Cardinals at this point don’t seem inclined to trade much beyond their potential free agents, [Jordan] Montgomery, [Jack] Flaherty, those guys. Arenado is under contract through 2027 and this is not a team accustomed to being in this position, it’s not a team accustomed to selling…If I’m the Cardinals I’m at least listening but I’m not sure they would do this.”
Ken Rosenthal on the likelihood of St. Louis Cardinals trading Nolan Arenado
Arenado would be an odds-shifting addition for the Dodgers. Entering MLB games today, Dodgers’ third basemen ranked 11th in wRC+ (104), 13th in OPS (.748) and 29th in batting average (.192). While Arenado’s season slash line is lower than it was in 2022, he’s been excellent as of late.
In his first 113 at-bats this season from May 30 – April 30, Arenado posted a .239/.281/.319 slash line with a .600 OPS, 64 wRC+ and a 21.5 percent strikeout rate. Since June 1, in 174 at-bats, the perennial MVP candidate slashed .310/.358/.621 with a .978 OPS, 160 RC+ and a 15.5 percent strikeout rate.
St. Louis and Los Angeles have still discussed the possibility of an Arenado trade. As part of the process, the All-Star third baseman made it clear to the Cardinals that the Dodgers are the only team he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause for.
- Nolan Arenado contract: $35 million salary (2023), $35 million salary (2024), $32 million salary (2025), $27 million salary (2026), $15 million salary (2027)
Related: St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants have discussed trade
The Dodgers entered the season with a top-five farm system in MLB.com’s rankings and they still have one of the deepest talent pools of prospects in the majors after acquiring Lance Lynn and Amed Rosario. If the Cardinals ultimately decide they’re willing to trade Arenado to replenish their farm system, the Dodgers have the resources and the appeal to pull off the trade.