Report: Dodgers interested in trading for Rockies' Nolan Arenado
Do the Los Angeles Dodgers really need more star power? Apparently, the answer to that question is yes, they do ... even after winning the World Series.
With Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger and Clayton Kershaw, among others, on board for the 2021 campaign, it seems like it would be impossible for the Dodgers to take on another star. Evidently, that's not the case.
According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Dodgers are interested in making a trade for Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, who they have been linked to for many years. It would be a major upgrade at the position for the club.
Morosi notes that even if the Rockies don't necessarily want to trade Arenado, they'll have to at least consider it. The 29-year-old Newport Beach, Calif., native can opt out of his contract after the 2021 season and if he does so, the Rockies would be left with just a draft pick as compensation. On the other hand, if he doesn't opt out, Colorado will be on the hook to pay him $164 million from 2022-2026, Morosi notes, which is a large sum of money when considering implications from the coronavirus pandemic.
Arenado, a five-time All-Star, would fit nicely in the Dodgers lineup. He would provide some extra power at the plate and elite playmaking at third base, where he has won seven Gold Gloves.
A four-time Silver Slugger, Arenado averaged .253 at the plate during the coronavirus-shortened 2020 season. He had 26 RBI, eight home runs and a .738 OPS. During the 2019 campaign, he hit .315 at the plate with 118 RBI and 41 home runs.
If Arenado is traded to the Dodgers, Morosi notes that Gavin Lux, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Brusdar Graterol and Mitch White could interest the Rockies in a potential return.
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