The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off their second World Series victory since 2020. As they gear up to defend their championship in 2025, could they potentially acquire third baseman Nolan Arenado in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals? The Cardinals have been exploring trade options for the eight-time All-Star this offseason, but finalizing a deal has proven challenging. One attempt to send Arenado to the Houston Astros fell through after the veteran exercised his no-trade clause. According to Cardinals insider John Denton, Arenado’s preferred destination is the Dodgers.
Despite this, Los Angeles has publicly committed to Max Muncy as its starting third baseman for 2025. However, if their stance changes in the coming weeks, what might it take to bring Arenado to LA? Jim Riley of BALLCAP Sports proposed the following hypothetical trade:
Dodgers receive: Third baseman Nolan Arenado
Cardinals receive: Utility player Chris Taylor and right-handed pitcher Tony Gonsolin
Gonsolin, who missed the 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, is expected to return fully healthy in 2025. Taylor, a key figure in the Dodgers’ lineup since 2017, struggled offensively in 2024, posting a .598 OPS over 246 plate appearances.
As for Arenado, his offensive performance has declined in recent years, including a .719 OPS with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs in 635 plate appearances last season. The 10-time Gold Glove winner has three years and $52 million remaining on his eight-year, $260 million contract, according to Spotrac.
