The Los Angeles Dodgers are a rumored landing spot for stud third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Entering the offseason, the Colorado Rockies are in a bit of a bind financially due to the amount of money the team and the league lost due to the coronavirus pandemic. That, and the fact that star third baseman Nolan Arenado wanted off the team after hearing of Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich shopping him to other teams prior to the start of this season. And the fact that the team barely spent money to build a contender.
Arenado has the ability to opt out following the 2021 season, meaning that the Rockies have one full year to flip him for some sort of return, whether it’s major leaguers or prospects. However, Arenado holds the power due to his no-trade clause.
During an episode of the “Big Time Baseball podcast,” MLB insider Jon Heyman expressed his belief that the Rockies will try to trade Arenado and said their best option would be to move him to their NL West rival in the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Arenado on the Dodgers would be ridiculous
Let’s preface by saying that this is Heyman’s thought, as he also provided the backup option that the Dodgers could opt to bring back Justin Turner if they don’t pursue Arenado. However, if the interest in Arenado is true, then it’s quite obvious that the Dodgers are looking to create the next great dynasty in MLB. Just imagine Arenado in the same lineup as Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager? That would be overkill!
Arenado is coming off a down season with the Rockies, as he played through left shoulder issues before hitting the 10-day injured list on Sept. 21 with AC joint inflammation and a bone bruise. In 48 games, Arenado slashed .253/.303/.434, while recording eight home runs and 26 RBI. Even with his drop in production at the plate, the stud third baseman received the NL Platinum Glove for the fourth consecutive season, which honors the best overall defender in the league.
A trade would be difficult for the Rockies to pull off, because Arenado is due $35 million in 2021, which is a hefty salary for any team to take on. But if there’s one team that would be willing to eat the money for the sake of winning another Commissioner’s Trophy, it’s the Dodgers. Will they pull the trigger?