Nolan Arenado Trade Talks: Dodgers and Cardinals Insights Revealed

The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been a team fans associate with aggressive roster moves and blockbuster trades. But when All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado seemed like a possible addition during the offseason, the Dodgers took a surprisingly restrained approach.

Despite fan speculation and social media buzz, the Dodgers remained committed to their in-house option, Max Muncy, to hold down the hot corner in 2023.

Dodgers’ Lack of Interest in Nolan Arenado: Separating Fact from Speculation

The offseason was rife with rumors about the Dodgers potentially pursuing Nolan Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glove winner who has consistently been one of MLB’s best third basemen. Arenado himself added fuel to the fire by posting cryptic Instagram photos, including one paired with the song “dodger blue.” Fans took this as a sign of his interest in joining Los Angeles, which seemed plausible given the Dodgers’ reputation for making splashy moves.

However, Katie Woo of The Athletic has clarified that the Dodgers weren’t seriously pursuing Arenado. According to Woo, the Dodgers’ front office never showed a level of interest that matched Arenado’s apparent openness to a trade. Instead, they remained committed to Max Muncy as their everyday third baseman, reaffirming their trust in his offensive and defensive contributions.

Why the Dodgers Passed on Arenado

While Arenado’s defensive resume is undeniably stellar, the Dodgers seemed to feel no urgency to address the third base position. Their confidence in Max Muncy played a significant role here.

Despite a down year in 2022, Muncy rebounded midseason and showed enough promise to remain the team’s preferred option at third.

Both Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, and general manager Brandon Gomes stood by Muncy through the chatter about possible acquisitions.

Interestingly, Arenado wasn’t just a bystander; the St. Louis Cardinals reportedly hoped to offload his hefty contract by spring training. However, no move materialized, and Arenado ultimately reported to Cardinals camp as expected.

For the Dodgers, this indicates that they might have assessed Arenado’s price tag—both in terms of financial cost and the prospects they’d likely have to surrender—as too steep to justify the trade.

Max Muncy’s Response to Trade Rumors

As Arenado remained a frequent name in trade discussions, Max Muncy handled the situation with grace and professionalism. Speaking to reporters during the offseason, Muncy expressed no animosity or concern about the possibility of the Dodgers bringing in another third baseman.

Instead, he made it clear that his only priority is being a team player.

“If I’m here and I’m in the lineup, I’ll play wherever they need me,” Muncy reportedly said.

This flexibility and team-first mentality seem to have earned him the trust of the Dodgers’ leadership, further solidifying his role as their man at third base for the 2023 season.

It’s rare to see this kind of player-first perspective in the constant churn of MLB roster speculation. Muncy’s attitude shows his focus remains solely on helping the Dodgers win, no matter what position he’s playing or what the offseason rumors indicate.

Looking Ahead: Could Arenado Still Become a Dodger?

While the Dodgers may have passed on Arenado this offseason, his name could resurface when trade talks commence again next year.

For now, Los Angeles seems perfectly content with the makeup of their current roster, and it’s likely they’re waiting for the right timing and price before making any sweeping changes.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals’ willingness to move Arenado signals that his long-term future in St. Louis isn’t entirely secure.

If his availability coincides with the Dodgers recognizing a need at third base next offseason, one can’t rule out Los Angeles revisiting the possibility of acquiring him. After all, Arenado’s bat and glove remain elite, and his addition would make any contender stronger.

The Bigger Picture for the Dodgers

As the 2023 season unfolds, it’s clear that the Dodgers are placing their trust in the group they already have.

It’s a bold strategy, particularly for a team that’s used to making headline-grabbing moves. But this choice also highlights their belief in fostering internal development and giving players like Max Muncy a chance to shine in a consistent role.

Time will tell if this more patient approach pays off.

But for now, Dodgers fans can rest assured that their team is focused on building a roster that not only competes in the regular season but contends deep into October.

Whether Nolan Arenado eventually dons Dodger blue remains an open question, but Los Angeles has proven they won’t act impulsively to make it happen.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB Insider Provides New Details on Dodgers, Cardinals Nolan Arenado Trade Talks