Cardinals Nolan Arenado Reportedly Has Come Up In Trade Talks With Dodgers

St. Louis may be temped by Los Angeles' farm system

The St. Louis Cardinals may be dealing the face of their franchise to a National League foe.

The Los Angeles Dodgers were one of the more notable teams to make moves ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline, acquiring Boston Red Sox's Kiké Hernández and Cleveland Guardians Amed Rosario -- but they may not be done yet. 

"The Dodgers have engaged in talks with the St. Louis Cardinals to acquire the eight-time All-Star third baseman, according to people with knowledge of the situation but who are not authorized to speak publicly." Los Angeles Times Jorge Castillo wrote Thursday. "The Cardinals could also send a starting pitcher — Jack Flaherty or Jordan Montgomery — to Los Angeles for a package of major leaguers and prospects."

I don't believe the Cardinals would be willing to deal Arenado, who contractually has the ability to block a trade to any team. That said, if this trade were to come to fruition, the Cardinals would likely be looking for a notable boost to their pitching staff.

"The Cardinals would want young pitching in a deal; they have eyed Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Ryan Pepiot, and Emmet Sheehan in talks," Castillo said. "A trade would also likely include the Dodgers sending Max Muncy or Chris Taylor, if not both, to St. Louis." 

For what it's worth, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand spoke with Arenado's agent and shot down the notion that he would only be willing to go to the Dodgers -- something Castillo also reported in this piece -- which impacts the credibility of the entire story.

The Cardinals are not expected to trade Arenado at the deadline but if they do, Los Angeles would be the perfect fit given their vast farm system stocked with pitching prospects.

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