December 2nd, 2024 at 8:00 am 
by Jesse Pearce Shortstop options for the Dodgers will have to wait for another day.
On Sunday, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado posted a cryptic message on Instagram that included the song Dodger Blue in the background. A subtle message to Dodgers executives, or just a simple holiday message to friends and family in SoCal?
No way to know for certain, but here’s some thought-provoking information to consider:
- The Cardinals have openly stated their intention to lower their payroll.
- Arenado is owed $64M over the next three seasons from the Cardinals – $27M in 2025, $22M in 2026, and $15M in 2027. Reportedly, he is willing to waive the no-trade clause in his contract in order to play for a World Series contender.
- Arenado graduated from El Toro High School in Lake Forest, CA – a 47.5 mile drive down the I-5 from Dodger Stadium.
(Jamie Sabau – Getty Images)
The stars seem to be in alignment for a Dodgers – Cardinals trade.
Would the Dodgers have interest in the veteran third baseman and 10-time Rawlings Gold Glove winner (six Platinum)? While his fielding remains well above average, his offense has declined each of the last two seasons and 2025 will be his age-34 season.
Even though he has dedicated himself to a rigorous off-season workout routine and working on his swing (he is confident that he will return to previous norms), would the Dodgers take the risk of so much guaranteed money?
A significant portion of Arenado’s contract could be offset if the Cardinals take back in trade Max Muncy (owed $14.5M in 2025, with $10M team option for 2026) and retain a portion of Arenado’s 2025 salary. But how much would depend on the players/prospects the Dodgers would include with Muncy.
Would a trade package of the oft-injured Muncy and pitchers Tony Gonsolin and Michael Grove (or comparable players) be enough to put Arenado in Dodger Blue for the next three seasons?
What do you think Dodgers fans?
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Posted in 
Are you kidding–maybe this trade 10 years ago–today forget it.
Fair point considering his offense over last two seasons was only marginally above ML average, but his defense remained strong and he was a 6 WAR performer over that two season period. I remember many misplays at third base during the regular season that would have been outs with Arenado playing the position. Depending on the money and players involved, putting Arenado at third base would be an upgrade.
JP
Arenado great fielder. Contract is outrageous. Muncy was pretty good in the playoffs. Muncy only has 1 yr left on his deal which helps offset some of these huge contracts. Unfortunately we just don’t need Arenado.
No reason to trade the Cayman at 5 mil unless he’s going with a prospect for Crochet
JP
Didn’t see the part about the reduced salary.How bout getting them to take CT3
And some prospects. Then move Muncy to 2b
And Betts to RF.
Yeah, the only way it would be considered by Dodgers if Red Birds kept some of pay and accepted contract back. I like your idea about Taylor in place of Muncy, but it would likely mean better prospects going to the Cardinals and/or not keeping some of salary. Good thought about 2b for Muncy and keep Betts in RF.