Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Dodgers Not Expected to Pursue Cardinals' Gold Glove Superstar Third Baseman

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 1:00 PM ET

At the beginning of the season, the Los Angeles Dodgers were often linked to third basemen as trade targets. One of the most often rumored players was St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.

But, not less than a month from the MLB trade deadline, the potential of a deal doesn't seem likely. Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes that the Dodgers, no matter what deal is proposed, wouldn't accept an offer involving Arenado.

"The Dodgers say no because they're not taking on Arenado's contract at this point in his career and they're happy with Max Muncy," Bowden writes, "Who is on the injured list but expected to return from his bone bruise well before the end of the regular season."

While adding Arenado is a fun addition in theory, Bowden doesn't believe the Dodgers would do it. The two main reasons are the monetary investment in Arenado and the resurgence of Muncy lately.

For Arenado, he's currently in the middle of an eight-year, $260 million contract. He's owed $21 million in 2025, $16 million in 2026, and $15 million in 2027.

From the Muncy side of things, through April, he had a .610 OPS and was struggling at the plate. But, since the beginning of May, he put up an incredible .956 OPS with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs.

While he's hurt and expected to be out for some time, it's not a season-ending injury. He'll return to the lineup this season, and trading for his replacement doesn't make sense.

With the amount of money needed to invest in Arenado, not to mention the cost to land him in a trade, the Dodgers aren't likely to swing a deal for the Cardinals' Gold Glover.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: