Dodgers Rumors: Are Nolan Arenado, Trevor Bauer Options For Los Angeles?

When it comes to potential destinations for star players on the move, the Los Angeles Dodgers are always in the conversation. Even after winning the 2020 World Series, L.A. could potentially make a blockbuster acquisition for the 2021 season.

There’s no shortage of All-Stars available this offseason. While the Dodgers aren’t at the top of the list, they have to be considered options for a few of the best players that are expected to be wearing new uniforms.

Trevor Bauer is the top starting pitcher in free agency after winning the NL Cy Young award with the Cincinnati Reds. The Dodgers must at least be viewed as a potential landing spot for the right-hander, given their spending history.

Los Angeles made a strong push for the No.1 pitcher in last year’s free-agent class, reportedly offering Gerrit Cole an eight-year contract worth $300 million. Cole inked a $324 million deal with the New York Yankees, though Bauer won’t command nearly as much money.

The rotation is a strength for the Dodgers with Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw leading the way. David Price is an expensive part of the staff, but his best days are behind him.

It’s more likely that Los Angeles would go after a high-priced slugger than another ace. The Dodgers traded for Mookie Betts last offseason, and they even made a play for Bryce Harper ahead of the 2019 season.

Nolan Arenado could be Los Angeles’ top target. The Dodgers are interested in trading for the Colorado Rockies third baseman. They’ve got the prospects to make a strong trade offer.

L.A.’s interest could be thwarted by Colorado’s desire to trade Arenado outside of the division, MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reports. According to Morosi, the Rockies would prefer to send Arenado to the New York Mets, who play on the other side of the country and have the ability to take on the superstar’s massive contract.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the Mets want to trade for Arenado. New York might rather use its offseason signing Bauer and outfielder George Springer while holding onto all of its prospects and young players.

Because Arenado can opt-out of his contract in a year, he can have a say in a potential destination. Teams might be wary of trading for the five-time All-Star if he suggests he’ll just leave after the 2021 season.

Arenado grew up a Dodgers fan. There’s a good chance he’d welcome a trade to Los Angeles, where he can compete for a championship for the first time in his career.

If the Dodgers put the best offer on the table, Colorado will have a difficult decision to make.