Dodgers Rumors: MLB Insider Sees LA and St Louis Aligned in Potential Nolan Arenado Deal

Nolan Arenado makes senses for the Dodgers, and the Cardinals need good young pitching.

It seems if the St. Louis Cardinals are going to trade Nolan Arenado, the Dodgers have a great possibility of getting him. 

The rumors swirling around Arenado have increased in recent days and, according to Tom Verducci of MLB Network, the two teams seem to line up in trade needs.

"I think there's a good chance that this could come to fruition. I think it makes a lot of sense." - Tom Verducci on the Dodgers' reported interest in Nolan Arenado pic.twitter.com/P1Y8phPREn

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 28, 2023

“Cardinals need swing and miss pitchers in their organization. The Dodgers are loaded with them."

Arenado makes a lot of sense for the Dodgers. While he is having his poorest defensive year at third base, the 10-time National League Gold Glove winner is a major upgrade from Max Muncy. Muncy’s poor defense has cost the Dodgers victories and put unnecessary stress on a weak and weary pitching staff. 

Arenado’s defense might improve when he is playing for a contender.

The Southern California native is a right-handed bat. For a long time, the Dodgers have struggled against left-handed pitching. Already this month, they acquired both Kiké Hernàndez and Amed Rosario to combat the problem, but neither has much power. Arenado has a .287 batting average with 22 home runs and 77 RBI. Muncy has a .197 batting average with 25 home runs and 67 RBI. With an improved batting average in the cleanup position, the Dodgers will score more runs since both Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are having MVP-caliber performances.

The Dodgers are loaded with strikeout pitchers at the AA level, and they will part with Michael Busch who is having a great year at AAA but doesn’t have a position to play with the Dodgers. Arenado is under contract for another 3 years, but his salary won’t prevent the Dodgers from going after Shohei Ohtani this coming offseason.