Star third baseman Nolan Arenado appears eager to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, but Teoscar Hernández’s recent re-signing with the Dodgers seems to have closed the door on that possibility this offseason. Arenado, a Southern California native, will now have to hope the St. Louis Cardinals can work out a trade with another team from his home state if he wants to return.
Arenado Not a Fit for the Dodgers’ Roster
The Dodgers were one of six teams on Arenado’s wish list as the Cardinals explored trade options for him this offseason, with many speculating that Los Angeles was his preferred destination. He fueled rumors with a cryptic Instagram post featuring Kendrick Lamar’s “Dodger Blue.” The two teams previously discussed a trade for Arenado at the 2023 trade deadline.
However, The Athletic reported that the Dodgers are not pursuing a trade for Arenado this offseason. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes has publicly backed Max Muncy as the team’s third baseman for 2025, making it unlikely for Arenado to slot in there. Despite Arenado’s agent offering to move him to first base to make a deal work, the Dodgers already have Freddie Freeman at that position.
Additionally, Muncy is a more affordable option, earning $24 million over the next two years compared to the $64 million remaining on Arenado’s contract. Muncy also posted better numbers recently, with a .852 OPS in 2024 compared to Arenado’s .719, despite Muncy missing a large portion of the season. Muncy also had a 3.0 WAR, compared to Arenado’s 2.5, and hit just one fewer home run than Arenado despite playing 79 fewer games.
Hernández Signing Ends Arenado’s Dodgers Hopes
Teoscar Hernández’s three-year, $66 million contract with the Dodgers likely pushes them to the top of MLB payroll rankings for 2025, surpassing the New York Yankees. Though Hernández and Arenado play different positions, this deal likely shuts down any remaining rumors about Arenado joining the Dodgers.
Arenado’s best chance of landing with the Dodgers would have been if they lost a key bat and needed a replacement for 2025. However, given that there’s no clear spot for him in the lineup—especially with Shohei Ohtani likely handling most DH duties—it’s hard to justify trading for an expensive player like Arenado. Arenado also vetoed a trade to the Houston Astros earlier this offseason, leaving only five other teams on his wish list: the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets.
A Potential Trade with Other Teams
For any trade to happen, teams will need to offer the Cardinals prospects to make it worth their while. The Cardinals have shown a willingness to absorb some of the remaining money on Arenado’s contract, as they were reportedly ready to cover $15 million in the declined trade to the Astros.
Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak has suggested that it’s still possible Arenado could return to St. Louis in 2025, although the team is looking to cut costs this offseason. The situation has become a standoff, with the Cardinals potentially needing to lower their trade demands or Arenado expanding his list of acceptable teams. If neither side budges, Arenado will likely report to the Cardinals’ spring training in Jupiter.
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