Dodgers Rumors: MLB Insider Reveals What It Would Take for LA to Get Nolan Arenado

The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their 2024 World Series victory, are once again at the center of trade rumors, this time involving St. Louis Cardinals’ star third baseman Nolan Arenado. On April 25, 2025, USA Today Sports’ MLB insider Bob Nightengale told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain that he expects Arenado to be traded this season, reigniting speculation about a potential move to LA. With the Dodgers’ aggressive roster-building approach and Arenado’s Southern California roots, the trade buzz is louder than ever. But what would it take for the Dodgers to land the eight-time All-Star? Let’s break down the insider insights, the trade logistics, and the implications for both teams.

Nolan Arenado: A Perfect Fit for the Dodgers?

Nolan Arenado, a 33-year-old Newport Beach native, has been linked to the Dodgers for years, fueled by his Southern California ties and cryptic social media posts, including Instagram stories featuring Kendrick Lamar’s “dodger blue” song. The 10-time Gold Glove winner is a defensive wizard at third base, with a career .285 batting average, 341 home runs, and five Silver Slugger awards. In 2025, he’s batting .267 with an .800 OPS, solid but below his peak performance from his Colorado Rockies days.

The Dodgers, with a 17-10 record in 2025, are perennial contenders, bolstered by stars like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts. However, third base has been a question mark, with Max Muncy struggling offensively (.171 average, .265 slugging through mid-April). Arenado’s elite defense and right-handed bat could elevate the Dodgers’ already formidable lineup, but acquiring him comes with challenges.

Insider Insights: What It Would Take

According to Nightengale, the Cardinals are actively shopping Arenado as they pivot toward a rebuild, aiming to shed his $74 million contract over the next three seasons (2025-2027). His full no-trade clause gives him control over his destination, and reports suggest he’s open to joining the Dodgers, San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, or Boston Red Sox—teams with postseason potential or proximity to home.

For the Dodgers to secure Arenado, the trade package would likely involve young pitching talent and financial considerations. MLB.com’s Jorge Castillo previously reported that the Cardinals have eyed Dodgers prospects like Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Ryan Pepiot, or Emmet Sheehan in past trade talks. A 2023 trade proposal by Castillo suggested a blockbuster deal where the Dodgers could send a young pitcher (e.g., Pepiot or Sheehan) and a veteran like Max Muncy or Chris Taylor to St. Louis, with the Cardinals covering part of Arenado’s salary.

In 2025, a similar framework could apply. The Cardinals might absorb $20-25 million of Arenado’s contract to lower the Dodgers’ financial burden, as proposed in a Newsweek trade idea where St. Louis sends Arenado and $25 million for pitcher Bobby Miller. Miller, a hard-throwing right-hander with a 100 MPH fastball, had a stellar 2023 (2.0 WAR) but struggled in 2024 (8.52 ERA, -1.9 WAR), making him a high-risk, high-reward asset for St. Louis’ rebuild.

The Max Muncy Factor

Max Muncy’s role complicates the trade. The Dodgers’ current third baseman, Muncy signed a two-year, $24 million extension in 2023, with a $10 million club option for 2026. Despite his offensive struggles in 2025, Muncy has expressed flexibility, telling Foul Territory, “As long as I get to stay around, I don’t care who they bring in.” He’s open to shifting to second base or designated hitter if Arenado joins, a move that could keep both players in the lineup.

However, including Muncy in a trade package could appeal to the Cardinals, who need veteran leadership during their rebuild. A deal sending Muncy, a young pitcher like Michael Grove, and a mid-tier prospect to St. Louis for Arenado and cash could balance both teams’ needs. Alternatively, keeping Muncy and moving Mookie Betts to shortstop or Gavin Lux to a bench role could accommodate Arenado at third, as suggested by Dodger Blue.

Why the Dodgers Might Hesitate

Despite the fit, ESPN insider Buster Olney reported in January 2025 that the Dodgers aren’t prioritizing Arenado. “If the Dodgers wanted him, they would have gotten him,” Olney said, noting that Arenado has been “on a platter” for months. The Dodgers’ offseason acquisitions—Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates—addressed their pitching weaknesses, reducing the urgency for another blockbuster move. The Athletic’s Katie Woo also noted that the Dodgers “never matched Arenado’s interest,” committing to Muncy as their everyday third baseman.

Arenado’s contract is another hurdle. His $32 million salary in 2025 and $74 million total through 2027 could strain the Dodgers’ payroll, even if St. Louis eats a portion. Additionally, Arenado’s postseason struggles (1-for-12 in his last three playoff games) and slight offensive decline (16 HRs in 2024) raise questions about his value at 34.

Fan and Social Media Reactions

The Arenado-to-Dodgers rumors have sparked intense reactions on X. One user posted, “I’d trade Muncy and move Ohtani to the outfield to get Arenado at 3B,” suggesting a drastic lineup reshuffle. Others are skeptical, with a fan writing, “Why chase Arenado when Muncy’s still got pop and we just won it all?” The buzz intensified after Arenado’s Instagram posts, with fans speculating he’s signaling a desire to play for his hometown team.

Dodgers fan favorite Kiké Hernández, a free agent, added fuel to the fire by commenting on Arenado’s Instagram, “NO SONG FOR THE POST?!!” While playful, it kept the rumors alive. However, some fans urge caution, citing the Dodgers’ history of avoiding trades that disrupt their core, as seen in Andrew Friedman’s measured approach.

What’s Next for the Dodgers and Arenado?

As of April 28, 2025, no deal is imminent, but the trade deadline in July could reignite talks if the Cardinals struggle or the Dodgers need a third-base upgrade. If Muncy’s slump continues, the pressure to acquire Arenado may grow, especially with his no-trade clause making LA a viable destination. For now, Arenado remains a Cardinal, reporting to spring training and focusing on 2025, per SI.com.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, are focused on sustaining their championship form. With Ohtani potentially returning to the mound and Sasaki emerging as a Cy Young contender, their roster looks formidable. Adding Arenado could make them unstoppable, but it would require sacrificing prospects and navigating payroll constraints.

Conclusion

The Nolan Arenado trade rumors highlight the Dodgers’ relentless pursuit of excellence and the Cardinals’ rebuilding ambitions. While insiders like Nightengale believe a trade is possible, the Dodgers’ commitment to Muncy and their pitching-heavy offseason suggest caution. For LA to land Arenado, they’d likely need to offer a package of young pitchers, possibly Muncy, and rely on St. Louis to offset salary costs. As the 2025 season unfolds, this storyline will remain a hot topic, with fans eagerly watching whether the Southern California native finally dons Dodger blue.