Nolan Arenado, the eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner has set the baseball world abuzz with a cryptic Instagram post. His choice of the Kendrick Lamar song “Dodger Blue” has sparked considerable speculation. As trade rumors intensify around Arenado, fans and analysts alike are left wondering: will the Southern California native swap his current uniform for the iconic blue jersey of the Los Angeles Dodgers next season? The potential move is exciting, considering Arenado’s proven track record and his deep ties to the region.
With the Dodgers looking to bolster their roster, the possibility of acquiring such a talent adds another layer of intrigue to the offseason discussions.
Trade Rumors Swirl Around for Nolan Arenado
According to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, the Dodgers are not considered a top destination for Arenado. Morosi views the Dodgers as “somewhere on the periphery” of potential suitors. Instead, Morosi identifies the Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres and Detroit Tigers as more likely landing spots for Arenado. The Red Sox could clear a path for Arenado by moving Rafael Devers to first base. Meanwhile, the Padres might pursue Arenado if they trade infielder Luis Arraez. As for the Tigers, they are seeking right-handed hitters and have also been linked to free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman.
Latest on the trade market for Nolan Arenado?@jonmorosi mentions a few teams with reported interest in trading for the 8x All-Star. pic.twitter.com/tprFjn3FJp
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 3, 2024
As the Cardinals weigh their options, they’re considering trades. The team is open to dealing with veterans who may wish to join a more competitive team.
The Cardinals are pivoting toward a “reset“, and they’re open to trading veterans who may wish to move to a team with better contention odds in 2025. Arenado, 33, is one such player who will likely be on the move. While he hasn’t requested a trade out of St. Louis, he’s given the Cardinals the go-ahead to explore trade options. If they’re able to find a potential match, they’ll bring it to Arenado, who must decide if he wants to waive his no-trade clause.
Arenado Trade Is a Strong Possibility
Other complications to an Arenado deal include the deferred money in his contract plus the signs of offensive decline he showed last season. Even so, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports that some in the know think an Arenado trade this offseason is a strong possibility.
“There remains a scenario in which the Cardinals keep Arenado, though multiple league sources believe the odds of St. Louis trading him to be higher than the odds of retaining him.” Woo wrote.
Despite these complications, there are indications that an Arenado trade is still a strong possibility. Arenado will earn $74 million over the next three seasons. The Colorado Rockies will pay $10 million of that amount.
With the Cardinals open to trading veterans and Arenado’s willingness to consider a move, it seems likely that he will be wearing a new uniform in 2025. While there are complications to navigate, the signs point to an Arenado trade this offseason. As the hot stove season heats up, baseball fans will be watching closely to see where Arenado ends up next.
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