The Dodgers are sitting pretty at 16-8 to start 2025, just a game behind the Padres in the NL West. After their offseason spending spree, they’re still eyeing potential upgrades as the season progresses.
One area that might need addressing? Third base, where Max Muncy is struggling in his contract year. This situation has analysts speculating about potential trade targets, with a familiar name resurfacing in conversations.
Dayn Perry of CBS Sports recently connected the dots between the Dodgers and Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.
“All of this is to say the two factors most essential to keeping the Arenado trade market alive – improved offensive performance on Arenado’s part and poor results at the team level for St. Louis – are trending in the necessary directions,” Perry writes. “If Max Muncy’s struggles persist, then the Los Angeles Dodgers may be a team to monitor. It’s all fluid, of course.”
The timing makes sense. Arenado has bounced back nicely in 2025, hitting .268/.375/.427 with two homers, 10 RBI and an .802 OPS. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are already fading from contention, potentially pushing them toward deadline sales if their trajectory continues.
This isn’t the first time LA has pursued the eight-time Gold Glover. The Dodgers showed interest at the 2023 trade deadline, but St. Louis held onto Arenado hoping for a competitive 2024 – a gamble that didn’t pay off.
What makes this scenario particularly intriguing is Arenado’s SoCal roots. The Southern California native would experience a homecoming while giving the Dodgers’ already formidable lineup another proven bat for the stretch run.
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The question now becomes whether the Dodgers’ front office sees enough of a need at third to pursue a deal. With their championship aspirations and willingness to spend, don’t be surprised if they’re making calls to St. Louis as July approaches.
