Los Angeles Dodgers Rumors: Why Nolan Arenado Could Be Traded From The Colorado Rockies

The Los Angeles Dodgers could potentially trade for a superstar in a second straight offseason. Coming off their 2020 World Series victory, LA might be eyeing the best third baseman in baseball.

Los Angeles is interested in acquiring Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies, MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported Friday. Arenado has been at the center of trade rumors over the course of the past few years, and there’s reason to believe it’s very possible he’ll be dealt before the 2021 MLB season.

Arenado’s contract runs through the 2026 season, but the superstar has the option to become a free agent next year. Considering Colorado is not expected to compete for the 2021 World Series, the Rockies might explore trade options out of fear that their best player could walk away for nothing after one more season.

Colorado and Arendo clashed publicly in January when Rockies General Manager Jeff Bridich admitted to having trade discussions regarding the five-time All-Star. Arenado called the GM “disrespectful,” igniting speculation the two sides would part ways.

The Dodgers make sense as a potential destination for Arenado in part because they still have a strong minor-league system that would allow them to make a competitive trade offer. With its eyes on repeating as champions, Los Angeles would consider offering highly touted prospects for a player that could improve its immediate title chances.

LA could have a hole at the hot corner with third baseman Justin Turner becoming a free agent. Turner has been a staple in the Dodgers lineup for the last seven seasons.

Even with one of MLB’s highest payrolls, the Dodgers are among the teams that can afford Arenado. If the star infielder doesn’t opt out of his contract, which pays him a $35 million salary in 2021, he’ll be owed $164 million from 2022-2026.

Arenado is from California, where he grew up a Dodgers fan. He’d likely welcome the chance to compete for championships in Los Angeles.

Before winning the World Series, the Dodgers finished 17 games ahead of the Rockies in the truncated 60-game regular season.

In each season from 2015-2019 Arenado made the NL All-Star team and finished in the top-8 in MVP voting. The slugger has won eight straight Gold Glove awards.

Los Angeles acquired Mookie Betts in a blockbuster traded before the start of the 2020 season. The Dodgers gave the outfielder a 12-year, $365 million extension.